Lesotho Highlands Water Project Tunnel Closure Extended Due to Maintenance Delays

The Lesotho Highlands Water Project’s tunnel closure has been extended by three weeks due to maintenance delays related to technical challenges. The water release date will be announced post-maintenance. Despite the extension, water availability for the Integrated Vaal River System remains unaffected, with sufficient water supplies assured for related municipalities.

The water and sanitation department has announced a three-week extension of the closure of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project’s (LHWP) water transfer and delivery tunnels. This extension is due to delays in maintenance work specifically affecting the delivery tunnel in Lesotho. The department will provide a new date for the water release once the maintenance is completed.

Initially, the tunnel closure was scheduled from October 1 to March 31. Nevertheless, complications such as shifting weather patterns and technical issues faced by the Lesotho Highlands Development Agency have resulted in the delay. One significant challenge has been higher than anticipated seepage in the tunnel, compounded by a switch from manual to automated sandblasting methods, which was negatively impacted by humidity.

Wisane Mavasa, spokesperson for the department, indicated that the contractor has acquired additional equipment to effectively manage the seepage. Although a recovery plan was enacted to expedite maintenance progress, unavoidable delays persisted. It is worth noting that maintenance undertaken in South Africa by the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority remains on track.

In light of the recent substantial rainfall, which has elevated the Vaal Dam to full capacity at 101.51%, the department assures water users that the additional three-week closure will not compromise water availability for those reliant on the Integrated Vaal River System. Municipalities along the Liebenbergsvlei River are also assured adequate water supplies despite the extended closure, as the Sol Plaatjie Dam is currently at 82.1% capacity.

Furthermore, Mavasa confirmed that water can be released from the dam to assist downstream users if necessary, with the dam expected to sustain communities such as Bethlehem, Reitz, and Tweeling for up to nine months, exceeding the six-month duration that was initially projected during the LHWP tunnel shutdown.

In conclusion, the three-week extension of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project’s tunnel closure is attributed to maintenance delays resulting from weather conditions and technical challenges. Despite this extension, water availability in the Integrated Vaal River System remains secure, alleviating fears of shortages in affected municipalities. Overall, actions have been taken to ensure continued water supply during this period.

Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za