Extension of Lesotho Highlands Water Project Closure Amid Improved Water Resources

The Lesotho Highlands Water Project’s tunnel closure has been extended by three weeks due to maintenance delays. Heavy rains have filled local dams, ensuring sufficient water availability during the extended closure. Despite challenges in Lesotho, South African maintenance is on schedule, and local communities will continue to have water access.

The Department of Water and Sanitation has announced an extension of the closure for the Lesotho Highlands Water Project’s water transfer tunnels due to maintenance delays. Spokesperson Wisane Mavasa indicated that the additional three-week delay is attributed to complications in the Delivery Tunnel South on the Lesotho side, which is essential for water delivery. Originally scheduled from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, the exact date for resuming water releases will be determined after the completion of maintenance work.

Mavasa elaborated on the technical difficulties faced, highlighting that changes in the sandblasting technique have resulted in unexpectedly high seepage levels within the tunnel. Initially executed manually, the switch to automated sandblasting has been hindered by high humidity. The contractor is in the process of procuring additional equipment to manage the seepage more effectively. Furthermore, a recovery plan has been instituted to expedite the maintenance progress despite the unavoidable delays.

Meanwhile, maintenance efforts on the South African side, executed by the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), remain on track and are expected to be completed as scheduled. Even though the recent heavy rains have caused flooding and infrastructure damage in Gauteng, they have also increased dam levels positively, specifically at the Vaal Dam, which is currently at full capacity due to above-normal rainfall.

The extension of the tunnel closure is manageable in terms of water resource availability for users in the Integrated Vaal River System. Municipalities along the Liebenbergsvlei River in the Free State can also rest assured, as the Sol Plaatjie (Saulspoort) Dam is at a comfortable level of 82.1%. This situation ensures that adequate water can still be supplied to the surrounding local communities, including Bethlehem, Reitz, and Tweeling, potentially for up to nine months, surpassing the expected six-month period of the tunnel shutdown.

In addition to these developments, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a yellow level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms, predicting heavy downpours across various regions, including the south-eastern Northern Cape, southern Free State, and the Lesotho borders. This weather alert serves as an essential reminder for preparedness in the face of inclement conditions.

In summary, the Lesotho Highlands Water Project faces an extension in its maintenance closure due to unforeseen delays, specifically related to technical issues with the Delivery Tunnel South. Nonetheless, the current rainfall has positively impacted water resources, ensuring the Vaal Dam’s full capacity can support downstream communities during this period. Despite challenges, the water supply remains secure, alleviating concerns over potential shortages amidst ongoing maintenance activities.

Original Source: www.citizen.co.za