中企参与建设莱索托高地水利二期工程—— 助力“高山之国”走上发展大道（共建“一带一路”·第一现场）

Core Points - The Highlands Water Project in Lesotho, involving significant infrastructure development, aims to improve local water resources and support economic growth [1][4] - The project is a collaboration between Chinese companies and local South African firms, focusing on the construction of dams and tunnels to transport water from Lesotho to South Africa [2][4] - The use of advanced tunneling technology, specifically a shield machine, enhances construction efficiency, allowing for faster progress compared to traditional methods [3][4] Group 1: Project Overview - The Highlands Water Project consists of four phases, with the Polihali Water Tunnel being a key component of the second phase [2] - The project will increase Lesotho's water supply capacity to South Africa from 780 million cubic meters to 1.26 billion cubic meters annually [4] - The project is expected to significantly improve Lesotho's water infrastructure, contributing to the country's socio-economic development [1][4] Group 2: Technological and Operational Aspects - The shield machine used in the project is 425 meters long and weighs approximately 1,500 tons, designed specifically for the local hard rock geology [3] - The machine can perform multiple operations simultaneously, achieving a daily excavation rate of about 20 meters, which is 3 to 5 times more efficient than traditional blasting methods [3] - The project has created over 1,800 local jobs, with a local workforce participation rate of at least 99% [6] Group 3: Community Impact - The project is expected to provide significant economic opportunities for local businesses, including material supply and transportation services [4] - Skills development programs have been established, training local workers in various trades, with over 500 individuals having completed training so far [6] - The project has also included community support initiatives, such as medical assistance and educational contributions from Chinese enterprises [7]