Maseru – he second Tunnel Boring Machine has been officially launched at Polihali, pushing forward Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project at full speed.
The 423-metre engineering giant has been renamed “Loboborane la Manyokola Thita,” a Sesotho name meaning “the insect that bores through hard surface,” and is now driving tunnelling along a 38.5 kilometre route that will link the Polihali and Katse reservoirs.
The launch was attended by several senior officials, including Minister Majodina, Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, Minister Moleko, and High Commissioner Constance Seoposengwe. 
Built to operate without stopping under tough underground conditions, the machine cuts, lines, and completes the tunnel in one continuous process.
The first TBM was launched at Katse in February 2025 and is already making progress underground. With excavation now happening from both ends of the route, momentum is building toward what both Lesotho and South Africa describe as a more secure water future for the region.
The Lesotho Highlands Water Project is a joint venture between Lesotho and South Africa, and its progress holds regional significance.
