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IOL News
16-07-2025
- IOL News
From hills to hope, water project drives development in Lesotho
This aerial drone photo taken on July 7, 2025, shows the construction site of the Tunnel Boring Machine Access Adit for Polihali Transfer Tunnel in Mokhotlong District, eastern Lesotho. Image: Xinhua / Yang Guang As night falls over the northern highlands of Lesotho in early July, winter's chill sets in. Yet the Polihali Transfer Tunnel construction site remains a hive of activity. "We have deployed round-the-clock operations with three rotating shifts," said Julius Topo, site manager for the tunnel excavation. A worker monitors the operation of a rock drilling rig at the Tunnel Boring Machine(TBM) Access Adit construction site, in Mokhotlong District, eastern Lesotho, on July 6, 2025. Image: Xinhua / Yang Guang Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The Polihali Transfer Tunnel is the second phase of the multi-phased Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). Designed to supply water from Lesotho to the Gauteng region and surrounding areas in South Africa, the project marks a flagship for this landlocked country and its neighbour. The 38-km tunnel will be excavated using two hard-rock shielded tunnel boring machines (TBM), operating simultaneously from Polihali and Katse. Guests cut the ribbon during the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Arrival Ceremony at the Caledonspoort Border Post in Butha-Buthe District, northern Lesotho, on July 5, 2025. Image: Xinhua / Yang Guang The first TBM began boring from the Katse site earlier this year. On July 5, a launch ceremony was held for the second TBM at the Caledonspoort Border Post in Butha-Buthe, Lesotho. This China-manufactured machine was shipped to Durban Port and will be assembled at the Polihali site. It is expected to significantly speed up the excavation process to meet the slated 2028 completion date. Speaking at the ceremony, South Africa's High Commissioner to Lesotho Constance Seoposengwe said she believed the new machine would give further impetus to the already ongoing work on the project. "The Lesotho Highlands Water Project is more than just a water project," she said. "Local jobs have been created, and new roads have been built in the Kingdom." Lesotho children watch a convoy of trucks transporting components of a China-manufactured hard-rock shielded tunnel boring machine (TBM) on a hillside near Pitseng, in Leribe District, northern Lesotho, on July 6, 2025. Image: Xinhua / Yang Guang Constructed by Kopano Ke Matla (KKM), a joint venture between China's Yellow River Company, Sinohydro Bureau 3, and South Africa's Unik Civil Engineering, the tunnel is the largest ongoing infrastructure project between the two countries. Its very name, KKM, meaning "unity is strength" in the Sesotho language, one of the official languages of Lesotho, reflects the diversity and inclusiveness of the workforce. Topo, a veteran of the LHWP's first phase in the 1990s, underpinned the importance of passing on experience. "TBMs were used in Phase I, but 30 years have passed. Now it is time for me to share my knowledge with local colleagues to enhance site organisation," he said. "Managing a multicultural team has many challenges, but I am learning from the Chinese and sharing what I know. We are getting along," he added. Liu Xiaolan (2nd R), a civil engineer of the Kopano Ke Matla Joint Venture, speaks with workers at the Segment Factory of the Polihali Transfer Tunnel Project, in Mokhotlong District, eastern Lesotho, on July 7, 2025. Polihali Transfer Tunnel is part of Phase II of the multi-phased Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). Image: Xinhua / Yang Guang According to Xu Xishuai, the commercial manager of KKM, more than 99 percent of the skilled workforce is locally hired, creating over 1,800 jobs since the company's involvement. "The project has improved local infrastructure, provided employment, and passed on essential vocational skills. It is more than just tunnel construction," Xu said. While the project is still underway, its benefits are already evident. Regional transport services have expanded. A significant portion of engineers, subcontractors and suppliers are local. And the use of local construction materials and catering services has kept spending within the community, reinforcing the project's positive community impact. Born in the nearby village of Bafali, tunnel engineer Montso Lebitsa has witnessed the changes firsthand. "Traveling from Mapholaneng to Katse used to take more than eight hours due to poor traffic. Now, it takes less than two, thanks to the new road built for the project," Lebitsa recalled with a smile. Health support has also improved. "The Chinese medical team comes here from time to time to provide free health services to workers and residents. We are in remote areas where clinics or health facilities are far from the communities," said Maseqhoang Sechaba, the project's community liaison officer. Masiphola Sekonyela, chief of Tloha Re Bue, one of the areas near the Polihali site, praised the project's contributions. "When I heard the Chinese would lead this project, I was excited. They work hard and know how to get the job done," he said. "Our people rely on farming and herding, but now they have jobs, better access to goods, and more options for the future." Workers of the Kopano Ke Matla Joint Venture take part in a training session at the Skills Training Center for the Polihali Transfer Tunnel Project, in Mokhotlong District, eastern Lesotho, on July 7, 2025. Image: Xinhua / Yang Guang Pride Mudzingwa, chief executive officer of Tashie Training and Business Solutions, is overseeing the vocational training effort for KKM. "We have categorised participants as unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled so we can tailor classes accordingly," Mudzingwa said. Class sizes have been reduced from 20-25 people to 10-15 for better outcomes. Courses range from five-day workshops to three-year programs and cover plumbing, fixing, quality assurance, and more. With an investment of more than 44 million Lesotho lotis (2.47 million US dollars), the program aims to train more than 6,000 skilled workers over three years. So far, more than 500 have completed training and returned to work. "We issue certificates recognised across Southern African countries, which means workers can stay employed or even be promoted after the project ends," said Rethabile Letsoalo, community/client liaison officer of Tashie Training and Business Solutions. "This could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many, and we are grateful that our Chinese partners are giving it for free," Letsoalo said. Trucks transport components of a China-manufactured hard-rock shielded tunnel boring machine (TBM) along a mountain road in Thaba-Tseka District, eastern Lesotho, on July 8, 2025. Image: Xinhua / Yang Guang For Mpoi Elizabeth Rankhethoa, a translator at the Katse site who graduated last year from the Central University of Finance and Economics in China on a full scholarship, returning home to work on this project has been eye-opening. "We rarely have a project of this scale in Lesotho, and it truly means a lot," Rankhethoa said. "It is not the first time China and Lesotho have worked together, and it certainly won't be the last." Xinhua
Barnama
18-06-2025
- Barnama
- The World's Longest Canal: Huai'an's Living Link From Emperors To UNESCO
Opinions on topical issues from thought leaders, columnists and editors. Today, the canal endures as a living symbol of human ingenuity, with the city of Huai'an in Jiangsu Province standing out as one of its most fascinating and culturally rich stops. Constructed over 2,500 years ago, this awe-inspiring feat of engineering linked the political centres of northern China with the fertile, rice-producing regions of the south, becoming a vital artery for trade, transportation, and imperial administration. Spanning an astonishing 1,794 kilometres, the Grand Canal of China is the longest man-made waterway in the world – a truly remarkable achievement. Recently, 10 international journalists from the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) programme had the unique opportunity to explore Huai'an and discover the historical and cultural treasures along this extraordinary waterway. Together with the Great Wall, the canal – known in Chinese as Da Yunhe – is recognised as one of ancient China's most significant infrastructure triumphs. Stretching from Beijing to Hangzhou, the Grand Canal winds through diverse landscapes, passing through Tianjin and the provinces of Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu and Zhejiang. According to the Huai'an International Communication Centre, the Grand Canal was constructed in stages, with its earliest segments dating as far back as the 5th century BC. However, it was during the Sui Dynasty (581–618 AD) that Emperor Yang Guang undertook an ambitious expansion, unifying the fragmented waterways into a single, strategic route. His vision connected Beijing in the north to Hangzhou in the south and, more crucially, linked two of China's mightiest rivers - the Yellow River and the Yangtze River. This grand integration enabled the smooth transport of grain, silk and tax revenues across vast regions, establishing the canal as a critical artery for imperial logistics and governance. But why build such a massive waterway? File photo Local historians point to two enduring motivations: survival and power. Long before the advent of railways and highways, the Grand Canal served as China's economic lifeline. It ensured steady food supplies to the imperial capitals, enabled rapid military mobilisation, and reinforced cohesion across the vast empire. For centuries, it was instrumental in sustaining prosperity and consolidating the strength of dynastic rule. File photo A living legacy in Huai'an Even today, the Grand Canal in Huai'an remains vibrant with purpose and tradition. While its role in modern commerce has diminished, it still facilitates the transport of coal, sand and construction materials – a quiet yet enduring testament to its ongoing relevance. More than a functional waterway, the canal has transformed into a cultural landmark, drawing visitors from across China and around the world. File photo Aboard a traditionally styled Chinese boat, we glided through Huai'an's historic waters, passing beneath centuries-old stone bridges and beside ancient locks and dykes – remarkable examples of early hydraulic engineering. The journey unveiled lively waterfront markets where vendors sell fresh produce much as their ancestors once did, preserving a living connection to the past. On the canal banks, performers dressed as imperial princesses added a touch of storybook enchantment, making every stroll feel like stepping into a different era. Beyond its heritage appeal, the canal remains intertwined with daily life. Locals swim, fish and even waterski in the canal – proof that this ancient marvel continues to serve the people, blending history with the rhythm of modern life. A UNESCO World Heritage Site In 2014, the Grand Canal received global acclaim when it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This prestigious status honours not only the canal's profound historical significance but also its rare distinction as a continuously functioning ancient waterway. For travellers, Huai'an offers more than a glimpse into the past. It offers a truly immersive experience. Whether cruising down the canal, exploring well-preserved Qing Dynasty-era granaries or savouring the city's signature crayfish cuisine, Huai'an ensures the Grand Canal is not merely remembered but vividly relived. -- BERNAMA Kisho Kumari Sucedaram is a journalist with BERNAMA.
Scotsman
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Susan Morrison: Visayan warty pigs and pygmy hippos – what could be cuter?
Haggis, the internet-famous pygmy hippo calf at Edinburgh Zoo, has been introduced to dad Otto There are only about 200 Visayan warty pigs left in the wild. Don't panic. Edinburgh has a whole bunch of them up at the zoo. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... I have no doubt that they are being kept right royally and that will be an expensive business, which leads to an expensive ticket. £29.70. Tip: it's cheaper if you book ahead. Well, a zoo is not a cheap thing to run. Any pet owner will tell you that the vet's bill for an aged moggie will make your eyes water. Imagine the cost for a constipated tiger. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad My cheery girl on the till had to explain to a pair of tourists that the pandas no longer lived at the zoo. They were mildly crestfallen, but I for one am thrilled. There's something irredeemably shifty about pandas. Those big sad eyes don't fool me for a minute. Manipulative, I call them. Waited on hand and foot like lazy emperors and can't even be bothered creating little pandas. Look at the useless lumps we got landed with. Tian Tian and Yang Guang were personally welcomed by Nicola Sturgeon with the hope that the young couple would get it on and boost the panda numbers. They didn't. Perhaps they felt the pressure of the then Deputy First Minister's expectations. Experts tried to get Yang Guang in the mood. They even showed naughty panda movies to the gormless lad. No idea where they source such salacious material, but someone out there has 'Panda Porn Director' on his CV. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Well, they're gone now. Our zoo is panda free and I think all the better for it. It's a great day out, especially for our own human young. There are few things more fun than watching kids watching monkeys watching kids. It's also slightly scary. You can't escape the feeling that some sort of telepathic communication is going on. One little boy was mesmerised by a baboon's spectacular bahookie display. I could tell the lad was storing the choreography for future reference. Haggis, the baby pygmy hippo appeared. To be honest, it's a face that invites the phrase 'but he's got a lovely personality'. His mum, though, looked just as chuffed as any new mother. The penguins once again rule the roost as the top black-and-white attraction, now that those over-hyped pandas have been bunged back to Beijing. Excellent. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The penguin is my spirit animal. I'm roughly the same shape, love fish and have been known to squawk loudly in my own little nest until my husband feeds me. What's not to love? Natty dressers, too. When the pandas were in town, my gentoos and rockhoppers were ruthlessly booted down the bill, but they're back, baby, better than ever. Do we still need zoos in this modern world? Sadly I think we do, even in these days of incredible television documentaries, when every second of a cheetah taking down an ailing wildebeest can be caught in all its muscular, blood-spurting, bone-crunching splendour. Our zoos are now fast becoming arks in a hostile world. Look at the warty pigs. Not the most glamorous beasties, I'll grant you, but the world would be poorer without a warty pig. Yes, it's pricey, but so are theme parks and soft play centres. At least here the money helps to keep Haggis, his mum and the world's best bird, the penguin.
