00:01There is a 60% chance that domestic water in Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city, originates from the Kingdom of
00:09Lesotho.
00:10Now, a newly opened bridge is set to nearly double water exports from the small mountain kingdom, one of the
00:17world's poorest nations, to power South Africa's economic hub.
00:21This bridge is an example of what Africa can achieve when it believes in itself, when it works together to
00:33advance the interests of its people.
00:36It is in this spirit of friendship, cooperation and solidarity that I express sincere appreciation to you, your majesty, to
00:51the government and the people of this remarkable kingdom.
00:55The Senko Bridge, stretching about 825 meters in length and standing 90 meters tall, is a component of the Lesotho
01:05Highlands Water Project.
01:07Lesotho is proud to contribute to South Africa's water security while advancing its own economic development and energy aspirations through
01:23this unique collaboration.
01:27Upon the project's completion, the country will boost water transfer volumes to over 1,270 billion cubic meters each year.
01:37The question before us at this time is not only what has been achieved over the past 40 years, but
01:51whether we are building for the next 40 years with greater discipline, stronger integrity and a higher commitment to national
02:05benefit.
02:07Valued at $144 million, this bridge is the largest of the three that support the water infrastructure in the northeastern
02:15region of Lesotho and has been celebrated as a significant engineering feat for the nation.
02:20We will see you on Sunday at 719.
02:21Amen.
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