A major new bridge set to preserve access across the future Polihali Reservoir was officially launched on Wednesday by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and King Letsie III, who hailed the new Senqu Bridge as a critical engineering lifeline for Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP).
Footage shows the leaders cutting the ribbon to applause from attendees, alongside views of the completed structure.
Ramaphosa and King Letsie used the project to highlight deepening political and economic ties between the two neighbouring countries.
"The building of partnerships is very important in a changing, complex and uncertain global environment. Guided by the spirit of Pan-Africanism, South-South cooperation and solidarity, we are forging ahead to realise the vision of an economically integrated Africa as espoused by the African Union's Agenda 2063," Ramaphosa noted.
The South African president also used the platform to announce a R30 million aid package from the African Renaissance Fund, aimed at helping Lesotho strengthen its national response to HIV and tuberculosis amid declining levels of international humanitarian assistance, including cuts to USAID.
King Letsie III echoed the message of continuity and responsibility, calling for long-term commitment to joint development efforts.
"Lesotho is proud to contribute to South Africa's water security while advancing its own economic development and energy aspirations through this unique collaboration. The question before us at this time is not only what has been achieved over the past 40 years but also whether we are building for the next 40 years with greater discipline, stronger integrity and a higher commitment to national benefit," the King noted.
The 825-metre bridge spans the Senqu River gorge at an altitude of more than 2,100 metres above sea level, making it the longest bridge in Lesotho. It forms part of Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, a binational infrastructure programme established under a 1986 treaty between South Africa and Lesotho.