South Africa has hailed the launch of the Senqu Bridge in Lesotho as a major boost for regional integration, trade and long-term water security. Speaking at the official opening in Mokhotlong on Wednesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the bridge reflects the strength of ties between South Africa and Lesotho and will help drive economic development in both countries.

Ramaphosa described the structure as a lasting piece of infrastructure built high above the river valley, more than 2,500 metres above sea level. He said it is designed to serve generations and, together with two more bridges planned across the Polihali reservoir, will make travel easier and cheaper for communities, businesses and visitors in the area.

A key part of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project

The Senqu Bridge stretches 825 metres and cost about R2.8 billion to build. It forms part of Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, a long-running bi-national initiative created under a 1986 treaty between South Africa and Lesotho.

The project is expected to increase the volume of water transferred annually to South Africa while also supporting hydropower generation in Lesotho. Pretoria has described it as a flagship example of how neighbouring countries can work together on infrastructure that delivers shared strategic benefits.

For South Africans, that matters beyond diplomacy. Water security remains one of the country’s most urgent long-term challenges, and projects like this are aimed at strengthening supply while also deepening trade and transport links in the region.

Ramaphosa also announces aid package

The launch ceremony was attended by King Letsie III and Lesotho Prime Minister Samuel Matekane. During the event, Ramaphosa also announced R30 million in humanitarian assistance for Lesotho through South Africa’s African Renaissance Fund. He said the support would help the country strengthen its response to HIV and tuberculosis at a time when international humanitarian aid is under pressure.

Ramaphosa added that South Africa, as interim chair of SADC and incoming chair later this year, would continue backing regional efforts to boost trade, investment, integration and people-to-people ties.

Leaders warn local communities must benefit

Lesotho’s King Letsie III welcomed the bridge as a sign of growing economic interdependence between the two countries. But he also warned that construction has come at a social cost for some communities displaced by the project. He urged both governments to make sure affected families are properly resettled and compensated in line with treaty obligations.

Prime Minister Matekane said the real test of the project would be whether it improves the daily lives of the people most affected. That may become the measure that matters most: not just whether the bridge stands tall, but whether it delivers real benefits on the ground.