The suspension, issued on 5 May 2025, affects work at both the Katse and Polihali tunnel sites. The contractor, Kopano Ke Matla, was found to be non-compliant with treatment standards at its wastewater facilities. Effluent from the treatment plants did not meet the contractual requirements set by LHDA.
LHDA clarified that recent media reports suggesting that 1,300 workers could lose their jobs are misleading. The authority emphasized that the suspension is a protective measure aimed at ensuring environmental and worker safety on a critical national infrastructure project.
A deadline of 26 May 2025 has been given to the contractor to address the compliance issues. Work is expected to resume once LHDA verifies that all standards have been met.
The authority stated that multiple non-compliance reports had previously been issued, and warned that repeated or unresolved issues could result in penalties or further action, as outlined in the contract terms.
LHDA contracts require strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental standards. The Supervising Engineer is responsible for enforcing these standards, and temporary suspensions are among the corrective actions allowed under the agreements.
The LHDA said it remains committed to transparency and collaboration with contractors, local authorities, and communities to ensure the project continues without compromising safety or environmental integrity.
