Maseru, April 14 — In celebration of culture, creativity and national pride, the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) has taken an inspiring step beyond engineering by inviting Basotho to help name one of the most powerful machines driving the nation’s future, the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM).
Known for its towering contribution to Lesotho’s water, energy and infrastructure development, LHDA is now placing the spotlight on the voices of artists and storytellers.
Through this unique naming competition, Basotho are not only witnessing history but actively shaping it.
At the heart of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II lies the TBM, a mechanical giant destined to carve pathways through mountains, bringing life-sustaining water and economic opportunity.
Yet, LHDA recognizes that even the mightiest machine deserves a name rooted in identity, meaning and heritage.
From across the country, creative minds responded with passion, producing names that echo the spirit of the Basotho people.
The top ten shortlisted names are more than words, they are stories waiting to be told.
The names from each artist stand with a unique story from Leboborane-la-monyokola thita which is a name that whispers of resilience against the odds, Lerumo la ‘Manthatisi evokes the fearless legacy of warrior strength, Letoli reflects courage and unwavering determination and Leboborane la Loti symbolizes unity tied to the nation’s lifeblood.
Makatolle captures boldness and unstoppable force, Makoanyane oa lithaba paints the image of a fearless conqueror of mountains, Mohlabani oa lithaba speaks of a warrior forged in the highlands, Morena oa Maliba crowns the machine as a king among rivers, Mosha embodies youthful energy and a hopeful future while Nonobetsane ea lihlaba carries a poetic rhythm of endurance and grace.
Each name reflects a deep connection to Lesotho’s landscape, history and aspirations. Together, they transform a piece of machinery into a symbol of national identity, a storyteller in steel.
This competition has stirred excitement across communities, reminding Basotho that development is not only about infrastructure, but also about people, heritage and voice. It is where art meets engineering, where tradition meets progress.
As the nation awaits the final name, one thing is certain, the TBM will not just tunnel through mountains, it will carry with it the pride, creativity, and spirit of a people moving boldly into the future.
Through this initiative, LHDA has proven that even in the most technical of projects, there is room for imagination, culture, and storytelling making this milestone not just historic but truly unforgettable.
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