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. 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.
Tente Tente, LHDA Chief Executive