Central SA
Lesotho Highlands water project on track for completion in March─── ZENANDE MPAME 15:58 Thu, 23 Jan 2025
The maintenance and renovation of the Lesotho Highland water tunnel is on schedule to be completed by the end of March when the tunnel will be reopened.
The Lesotho Highland water tunnel was closed on Thursday, 31 October for scheduled repair work. After the tunnel was dewatered cleaning of the rubble inside followed and the refurbishment of the 37-kilometer tunnel.
The Department of Water and Sanitation has been closely monitoring the progress of the maintenance repair work and is satisfied the work will be completed according to the planned schedule.
“The department as well as affected municipalities have been working tirelessly in ensuring municipalities communicate effectively with their communities about water issues that may arise during the closure of the tunnel,” said the department’s spokesperson Wisane Mavasa.
‘We are satisfied with the water levels at Saulspoort Dam’
“We are satisfied with the water levels at Saulspoort Dam in the Liebenbergsvlei River, which is sitting comfortably at 78.74%, this dam ensures a sustainable supply of water to Dihlabeng, Nketoana, and Mafube municipalities, which are located along the Liebenbergsvlei River.”
Maintenance work undertaken by the Lesotho Highlands Development Agency in Lesotho was slightly delayed, but it’s working on a catchup plan to ensure it’s back on track to ensure the tunnel can be opened on time.
OFM News previously reported the maintenance of the tunnel was critical in extending the lifespan of the infrastructure by 20 to 30 years, with R320 million set aside for maintenance within South Africa’s borders alone.
An inspection of the maintenance work took place in Clarens on Friday, 15 November. A media tour of the Little Caledon tunnel and Ash River outflow was led by Deputy Ministers of Water and Sanitation Sello Seitlholo and David Mahlobo, and acting Free State Premier Jabu Mbalula.
Municipalities affected by the closure implemented water restrictions in their areas for the duration of the closure. The department also gazetted water restrictions which guided water usage by farmers in the area, said Mavasa.
The gazette stipulates water users on the left bank of the Ash and Liebenbergsvlei Rivers may abstract water for agricultural purposes from 06:00 on Mondays till 06:00 on Wednesdays. Those on the right bank may abstract from 06:00 on Wednesdays till 06:00 on Fridays.
