5.7 km standby tunnel to carry 55 m3/sec from diversion weir on Matsuko river when water is available. Joint venture of Hochtief, Concor and Impregilo known as Matsoku Civil Contractors with consultants Matsoku Diversion Partnership comprising Consult 4 in joint venture with Lescon/FMA. Access adit 190 m long completed and work proceeding on 5 m-high, 4.5 m-wide horseshoe-shaped main tunnel being driven straight on 1:230 downgrade using drill/blast in basaltic formations. Crown will be sprayed with fibre-reinforced shotcrete and invert will have concrete channel. Advances of 25 m to 30 m/week being achieved. March 1999.  The 5.6 km Matsoku tunnel and its related diversion weir have been inaugurated on 26th October, 2001 as part of Phase 1B of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. Work commenced on 2nd February, 1998. Total cost of the contract, funded by the European Investment Bank, estimated at M241 million. Phase 1B is scheduled for completion in 2003. Visit www.lhwp.org.ls/projecthistory/project-history.htm 48/01.