The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) has awarded the Northern Access Road (NAR) rehabilitation contract to the HSP joint venture (JV).

The tender, which is the fourth Phase II road construction contract, is estimated to be worth up to R284m ($19.35m).

LHDA noted that construction has started and is expected to be completed in the next two years.

The HSP JV consists of South African companies Hillary Construction, Polokwane Surfacing and Lesotho-based Structuretone Construction.

This project is integral to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. Expansion and upgrade of the roads network will support infrastructure works necessary for the advancement of the main water transfer works.

The Northern Access Road (NAR) and the Polihali Western Access Road (PWAR) are necessary for the transport of construction equipment, materials and tunnel boring machine components, which are to be used for the Polihali Dam and Transfer Tunnel.

According to the LHDA, the project will resurface and repair a part of the NAR, carry out safety upgrades and drainage works.

Additionally, the repair of cracked sections with asphalt, replacement of road joints at the three river bridges, repairs to side drains, improvement of Mafika Lisiu view site, as well as repair works and ancillary road safety improvement, are also a part of the project.

AECOM SA, which designed the Polihali West Access Road and the Rehabilitation of Northern Access Road, will monitor the construction of both the roads.

In 2017, The World Bank approved $18.3m International Development Association (IDA) credit to the Government of Lesotho for the Lesotho Transport Infrastructure and Connectivity Project (LTIC) in Southern Africa.