LHDA Completes Relocation of 400 Graves for Polihali

The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) has successfully concluded a three-month-long exercise to relocate 448 graves from the villages of Tloha-re-bue, Masakong, Tlhakola, and Malingoaneng. This sensitive task was undertaken as part of the Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, specifically for the construction of the Polihali Dam.

Recognising that relocation is a sensitive and highly emotional process, the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) engaged the affected households and communities from the onset, considering their needs, opinions, and traditional practices.

Respecting local customs and beliefs was central throughout the process, and recognizing the significance of this undertaking; traditional ceremonies were held in Malingoaneng and Tloha-re-bue to honour the ancestors before the relocation began. Miss Motselisi Sefali, LHDA Polihali Social Worker, emphasized the importance of these ceremonies: “Basotho culture places great significance on our ancestors. These ceremonies were essential before exhumation.”

At the beginning of the process at one of the ceremonies, Ntate Tsépang Tsakatsi of Tloha re bue, speaking on behalf of the elders at the pre-relocation ceremony, thanked the LHDA for observing the cultural custom of slaughtering two cows—one male and one female—to enable the community to call on the ancestors to relocate to the new burial grounds. “We also acknowledge LHDA’s understanding that the affected members’ beliefs and religious customs are diverse, hence the payment of compensation to each affected family to facilitate a customary ceremony in honour of their relocated loved ones,” Ntate Tsakatsi stated.

In addition to the physical relocation, LHDA provided comprehensive psychosocial support to the affected households, both during and after the process. Over 166 families received compensation support as they adjust to the changes.

The activity also created employment opportunities for residents. More than 30 casual labourers were hired from the affected villages, with two individuals from the LHDA trade skills development program promoted to semi-skilled builder positions.

The grave relocation was carried out by the PGS-Koti Sephola joint venture, a partnership between a South African company and a local Mokhotlong business. Ntha Foods, another Mokhotlong-based company, provided catering services for the project team.

The completion of this phase marks a significant milestone in the Polihali Dam project while demonstrating LHDA's commitment to respecting the community's cultural heritage and well-being.