By Matshidiso Selebeleng
President Cyril Ramaphosa travelled to Lesotho to join His Majesty, King Letsie III, and Lesotho Prime Minister, Samuel Matekane, for the official opening of the Senqu Bridge in Mokhotlong.
The ceremony, which took place on Wednesday, marked a significant milestone under Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
According to the Presidency, the Senqu Bridge project has created employment for over 1 200 people - most of them Basotho - and prioritised local expertise to ensure regional development.
“The project has employed local engineers, technicians, and professionals from both our countries.” The Presidency said in a statement.
The landmark bridge was built to endure extreme conditions considering that it is located more than 2 500 metres above sea level.
Officials also emphasised that the bridge tells a story of determination in the face of technical complexity.
“It will serve many generations to come. Together with the two other bridges being constructed to span the Polihali reservoir, this bridge will improve travel across this part of the country, making transport easier and cheaper for communities, businesses, and visitors.
Ramaphosa thanked the Basotho nation for making water resources available to South Africa, whilst conceding that South Africa is a water-scarce country that relies on such partnerships.
He also announced South Africa’s intention to provide Lesotho with humanitarian assistance worth R30 million. The funding will be facilitated through the African Renaissance Fund.
“As a reaffirmation of our desire to further deepen cooperation, I am pleased to announce that South Africa will provide humanitarian assistance to the Kingdom of Lesotho to the value of R30 million from our African Renaissance Fund,” Ramaphosa stated
This contribution will help Lesotho strengthen its national response to HIV and tuberculosis. These efforts come at a time when international humanitarian assistance levels are dwindling globally.
“As the current interim Chair of SADC and Chair later this year, South Africa will continue to promote and champion regional initiatives to accelerate trade, investment, and integration and to deepen people-to-people links,” said Ramaphosa.
This collaboration between Lesotho and South Africa helps both countries realise the vision of an economically integrated Africa as espoused by the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
The project is also one of the most ambitious and successful transboundary water initiatives in the world and is currently the largest investment South Africa has ever made outside its borders.
