The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority reported its last blast of the Polihali Gate Shaft, on the 10th April 2025.
This shaft, is about 120 meters in length and 12.5 meters in width, and was initially blasted on September 23, 2024.
In a statement, the Lesotho-based organisation, said achieving the Polihali Gate Shaft is a crucial step, in officially connecting the 452-meter long Polihali Upper Tunnel Intake and the 370-meter long Lower Tunnel Intake, as well as the 38-kilometer Polihali Water Transfer Tunnel.
The Polihali Water Tunnel will link the Polihali Dam and the Katse Reservoir.
The Polihali Gate Shaft is expected to function as a control mechanism for water transfer from the Polihali Dam to the Katse Reservoir following impoundment.
Ince completed, a concrete lining of the shaft, a can begin in June 2025, to be completed in October 2025.
The Polihali Dam Water Transfer Tunnel is constructed by the Kopano Ke Matla Joint Venture (KKMJV) and is under the supervision of the Metsi a Senqu Khubelu Consultants (MSKCJV).