Lesotho
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has calmed the nerves of Gauteng residents about a potential water crisis during the upcoming maintenance of the Lesotho Highlands tunnel. Set to commence in October and conclude by March 2025, the tunnel’s closure has raised concerns about water supply disruptions. However, the DWS has assured that extensive measures are in place to ensure consistent water supply.
At the “City Meets Business Engagement Session” hosted by the City of Ekurhuleni, Justice Maluleke, Head of Department in Gauteng, provided much-needed clarity. “The main message is that we are ready for the tunnel closure and the public must not panic [as] we have all the plans in place, and we will be communicating,” Maluleke asserted, strengthening public trust in the department’s preparedness.
Meticulous Planning and Collaboration
The DWS’s strategy involves robust collaboration with several key stakeholders, including the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), Rand Water, and the municipalities of Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, and Johannesburg. This engagement is crucial to ensuring that no resident or business experiences water shortages during the tunnel’s downtime.
Maluleke acknowledged potential “challenges” but exuded confidence in their contingency plans. He highlighted the resilience offered by the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS), which consists of 13 dams supplying the Vaal River system. “In a worst-case scenario of shortage of water supply, the … IVRS can sustain the province. With the closure taking place during the rainy season, we do not anticipate this issue,” said Maluleke.
Business Continuity Measures
Businesses have been advised to implement on-site water storage solutions to mitigate any unforeseen interruptions. This proactive step will help them maintain smooth operations throughout the tunnel closure period.
Celiwe Ntuli, Scientist Manager from System Operation at the National Department of Water and Sanitation, reiterated Maluleke’s assurances. Ntuli presented data indicating no significant risk of water shortages within the IVRS. “Phase 1 of the Lesotho Highlands transfers 700 million cubic meters of water per year into the IVRS, while Phase 2 will add 490 million cubic meters annually,” she explained.
Legislative Backdrop
The maintenance work adheres to a treaty signed between Lesotho and South Africa in 1996. According to the agreement, upkeep is mandated every five to ten years, with the previous maintenance conducted in 2019 revealing the need for Phase 2 of the project.
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