The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) is preparing to launch a significant feeder roads and bridges construction programme comprising 100 km of paved and gravel roads, five pedestrian and three vehicular bridges in the next few months.

Part of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II, the programme will be implemented through multiple contracts packaged to ensure the participation of Lesotho- and South Africa-based firms as joint venture partners, subcontractors, suppliers and staff.

The Phase II feeder roads and bridges programme provides mitigation measures to restore and improve access for communities surrounding and displaced by the inundation of several valleys upstream of the new Polihali dam.

The first of the three vehicle bridges comprises nine spans with a total length of 435.5 m and will use conventional incrementally launched box girder (ILGB) construction, with the highest pier measuring about 75 m.

The remaining two vehicle bridges will use the precast beam and slab method, with spans of 30 m and pier heights not exceeding 25 m.

The five pedestrian bridges will include two long-span suspension bridges. Each will have a total length of 805 m, a 450 m central span, back spans of 155 m to 200 m and pylons of 100 m height.

The remaining three pedestrian bridges will be two- or three-span stressed ribbon bridges of 200 m, 210 m and 300 m.

An expression of interest for the two major pedestrian bridge contracts will be advertised during October.

The traditional FIDIC Pink Book (MDB Harmonised Editing for Building and Engineering Works Designed by the Employer, 2010 edition) is currently the preferred contract option.

However, interested parties will have the opportunity to motivate for the FIDIC Yellow Book (Plant and Design-Build) where the advantages and time savings are considered sufficient to justify it.

Under a Yellow Book contract, the employer will provide the work requirements, including the tender design and the contractor will be responsible for completing the detailed design and construction drawings. Alternative designs will also be considered.

Tenders for the construction of the 435.5 m ILBG bridge and 11 km of greenfield roads based on the FIDIC Pink Book, are expected to be advertised during November.

In the first quarter of 2027, tenders will be advertised for the remaining two major pedestrian bridges, the construction of the two stressed ribbon pedestrian bridges, the construction of the two precast beam and slab vehicle bridges and the improvement or construction of 17 km of roads.

Following this procurement, two managing contractor contracts will be advertised for suitably qualified contractors to manage the contractors appointed for the remaining feeder roads.

All opportunities will be advertised in local and regional media and on the Phase II Tender Bulletin on the website.

An MS Teams briefing meeting for interested parties will take place at 11:00 CAT on October 14.