The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) has awarded the engineering design and construction supervision contract for the Oxbow Hydropower Scheme. This marks the initial phase of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) Phase II hydropower initiative.
The contract was awarded to a joint venture comprising Artelia (France), SMEC International (Australia), SMEC South Africa, and GWC Consulting Engineers (Lesotho). This selection aligns with the Phase II Agreement’s principles of competitiveness, transparency, cost-effectiveness, and quality. The contract is valued at approximately R824 million and is expected to be completed within 92 months.
“Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) includes further investment in Lesotho’s hydropower generation infrastructure as specified in Article 8 of the Phase II Agreement. This contract award for the design of the Oxbow Scheme is the first step in that process,” said Tente Tente, LHDA Chief Executive. He added, “The Oxbow Scheme, confirmed by the government of Lesotho in November 2021, is the next step in securing an independent electricity source to meet the country’s growing electricity requirements.”
The Oxbow Scheme, located on the ‘Malibamats’o River, will feature a 100m-high gravity dam, a 6.6km headrace tunnel, and an 80MW surface powerhouse. The generated power will be transmitted through a 132kV line to the ‘Muela substation. A tailrace tunnel will connect to the ‘Muela reservoir, ensuring water continues through the LHWP system for delivery to South Africa.
The project’s design also includes plans for a potential 10MW powerhouse at the end of the ‘Malefiloane tailrace tunnel to utilize residual water pressure. While separate from the Phase I ‘Muela hydropower plant, the two projects will work together. Oxbow’s 80MW capacity will complement ‘Muela’s 72MW, operating as a peak plant for about seven hours daily.
The Oxbow Hydropower Scheme will enhance Lesotho’s power security and reduce reliance on electricity imports.
About the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP)
The LHWP is a multi-billion Maloti/Rand bi-national project between the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Republic of South Africa. It focuses on water transfer and hydropower generation. Phase I included the Katse Dam, Mohale Dam, water tunnels, and the ‘Muela Hydropower Plant. Phase II’s water transfer component features the Polihali Dam and a transfer tunnel to the Katse reservoir. The Oxbow Hydropower Scheme forms the hydropower component of Phase II. The LHDA oversees the project on behalf of the Lesotho government
