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With over the families and dependents of over 1300 workers in jeopardy, the Lesotho Workers’ Association (LEWA) has called on the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) to immediately lift the suspension of its contractor, Kopano Ke Matla (KKM).
The LHDA suspended KKM on 5 April alleging that the organisation had failed to comply with wastewater management requirements at the Katse and Polihali dams’ tunnel sites.
In a weekend statement, LEWA, the trade union that is representing the over 1300 workers affected by the suspension of their employer, has called for the immediate lifting of the suspension.
“On 5 May 2025, Kopano Ke Matla was suspended due to non-compliance with wastewater management requirements at the Katse and Polihali tunnel sites. While we acknowledge the importance of environmental standards, we also recognise that the contractor has since taken decisive action to rectify the concerns raised,” the LEWA statement reads.
“Kopano Ke Matla has engaged accredited laboratories, implemented corrective measures, and shared its short-term and long-term compliance strategies with the authorities. The necessary steps have been taken; hence the suspension can no longer be justified.”
The union lamented that the continued suspension of the organisation’s operations has had “devastating consequences”. This was also adversely affecting the economy.
“Over 1300 workers have been laid off without pay, leaving families in financial distress. The ripple effects extend beyond the workforce—taxi operators, food vendors, and other small businesses that thrived around the project are now struggling. The economic impact is severe, and the longer this situation persists, the greater the damage to the livelihoods of hardworking individuals.
“Furthermore, we wish to restate that the Polihali Transfer Tunnel Project is a bi-national initiative of immense importance to both Lesotho and South Africa. Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project is designed to enhance water security for South Africa and energy generation (and other benefits for Lesotho). The project is already behind schedule and cannot take anymore, especially unjustifiable delays. These delays not only hinder progress but also undermine the shared vision of sustainable development between our two nations.”
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LEWA urged the LHDA to speedily lift the suspension to allow operations to resume.
“LEWA urges the LHDA to act swiftly and lift the suspension, allowing operations to resume without further delay. The workers, their families, and the broader economy cannot afford continued uncertainty. We stand firm with the workers in our call for fairness, transparency, and the restoration of employment for those affected,” LEWA said.
