In the southern hemisphere, it is the mid autumn season, and in Lesotho, southern Africa, the noon sun is still hot and dry. Departing from the capital city of Maseru to the east and entering the Mohotelon Mountains, winding mountain roads shuttle through the mountains at an altitude of over 2000 meters. Halfway up the mountain, a giant device is lurking in a tunnel, waiting to be officially put into use.

The national treasure lands in Lesotho

This giant equipment is the "Dayu Snow Shield" hard rock tunneling machine, specially designed by China for the Lesotho Highlands Water Conservancy Phase II project. Located 34 kilometers apart, its same model equipment, the Dayu Changfeng, has been in tunnel excavation operations for over a year. On April 20, 2026, under the joint witness of officials from Lesotho and South Africa, as well as Chinese ambassadors abroad, the "Dayu Snow Shield" successfully launched excavation operations. The cutterhead is used to cut hard rock layers, and two large excavation equipment are used for bi-directional construction, synchronously promoting tunnel construction. Lesotho is located in southern Africa, with mountainous areas in the eastern region and an average elevation of over one kilometer. It is known as the "Kingdom of High Mountains". The local water resources reserve is sufficient, providing high-quality water sources for the surrounding areas in the long term.

super project

The Lesotho Highlands Water Conservancy Project is a benchmark infrastructure project for cooperation between the two countries, which will be promoted in four phases. By building dams, connecting water conveyance tunnels, and allocating mountain water sources, we aim to meet the water demand in the arid regions of South Africa. The Polihali water conveyance tunnel is the core project of the second phase, with complex geological conditions and extremely difficult construction, and belongs to a world-class water conservancy key and difficult project. The hard rock layers, large burial depths, and diverse geological structures in high-altitude mountainous areas pose numerous construction challenges. Two domestically produced excavation equipment are equipped with professional devices such as high-strength hard rock cutterhead and advanced geological exploration drilling rig, which are suitable for complex geological operations and ensure safe and efficient construction.

At the same time, the project utilizes advanced technologies such as double liquid grouting to fill rock wall gaps and reinforce tunnel structures, effectively improving project quality and construction progress. This water conservancy project not only promotes construction, but also continues to benefit the local people's livelihoods.

The local building materials industry is weak, and Chinese technicians spent two years teaching hand in hand to help local workers master production skills. Two prefabricated component factories have achieved localized independent production, and over a hundred local employees can independently complete the entire process of operations. Since the implementation of the project, it has provided more than 2000 job opportunities and absorbed labor from surrounding villages and towns to work nearby. In addition, the construction site regularly conducts various skills training, covering first aid, building materials construction, pipeline installation and other occupations, and plans to cultivate thousands of local technical talents. Many local ordinary people have taken this opportunity to transition to employment, increase their income and support their families, and their living conditions have steadily improved.

green development

The construction enterprise continues to improve the surrounding rural facilities, renovate sports venues, repair rural clinics, add public facilities and convenient locations, and comprehensively optimize the daily living environment of villagers. The local ecological environment is fragile, and the project strictly adheres to green construction standards throughout the entire process. Complete on-site sewage purification facilities to achieve water resource recycling; Strictly control construction pollution, promptly repair damaged land and vegetation, and adhere to the bottom line of ecological protection.

After the full completion of the project, Lesotho's total water supply to the outside world will be significantly increased, effectively alleviating the water shortage situation in many provinces of South Africa. Simultaneously supporting the development of the local hydropower industry, stabilizing and increasing fiscal revenue, and achieving mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. The Chinese ambassador abroad stated that this cross-border water conservancy project is not only a model of infrastructure cooperation, but also an important carrier for people's livelihood assistance and economic co construction, demonstrating the profound friendship of mutual assistance and cooperation among developing countries. Keywords: Southern Africa, Lesotho, Infrastructure Projects

Local officials in Lesotho highly recognize the efforts of the Chinese construction team and affirm the important role of the project in driving employment, improving industries, enhancing people's livelihoods, and promoting bilateral development. Thousands of miles of flowing water pass through the mountains, easing the water pressure on neighboring countries and injecting long-term development momentum into the mountainous kingdom of Lesotho, lighting up the foundation of people's happiness.Editor/Gong Ziwei