The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) today hosted the second briefing session in South Africa on the second phase of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). The LHWP is a critical source of water for the province of Gauteng, ensuring that the wheels of the South African economy continue turning.

The event saw a huge turnout of the prospective contractors interested in Phase II of the LHWC. This shows that both South African and Lesotho business people are intent on participating in the project. It was also important that contractors understood that this was not a tendering session, and that non-attendance would not compromise anyone contractor in determining whether they participate in the project or not.

Addressing the session on behalf of the Director-General of the DWS, Mr Dan Mashitisho, the Chief Director responsible for Integrated Water Resources Planning, Mr. Livhuwani Mabuda, reflected on the importance of the project. He made the point that Phases I A & B of the project continues to have a positive impact mon the socio-economic development of both countries.

In addition to providing supplies to the Vaal River System the project is envisaged to give support to the Orange, Caledon systems, as well as Mangaung and Nelson Mandela Bay in different ways,

"We want to see new players and experts evolve out of Phase II. Young people want to benefit from the roll out of this project. We want new ventures, companies, collaborations to follow; new capacities and capabilities must evolve," Mabuda said.