The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) says the suspension of work issued to contractor Kopano Ke Matla (KKM) on the Polihali Transfer Tunnel project remains in effect.
The suspension, which began on 5 May, followed repeated warnings over non-compliance with environmental requirements, particularly around wastewater management. LHDA says the key issues that led to the suspension have not been resolved, despite ongoing discussions with the contractor and the supervising engineer, MSKC.
Labour groups and other stakeholders have appealed for the suspension at Polihali to be lifted, citing its impact on workers. However, LHDA says the suspension will stay in place until there is verified progress that meets contractual and regulatory standards.
The authority stressed that the rest of the project is still active. Only the affected section involving KKM has been paused, while other works continue in compliance with environmental rules.
LHDA says it remains in talks with all stakeholders and is working to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
