Water Project
By Mpho Moloi
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has announced a three-week extension to the closure of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) water transfer and delivery tunnels, citing delays in maintenance work on the Lesotho side.
Initially, the tunnel shutdown was scheduled from 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025. However, unforeseen weather conditions and technical challenges faced by the Lesotho Highlands Development Agency (LHDA) have necessitated the extension. 
One significant issue encountered was higher-than-expected seepage within the tunnel, attributed to a shift from manual to automated sandblasting techniques. High humidity levels adversely affected this automated approach. In response, the contractor has procured additional equipment to manage the seepage more effectively. 
Despite these setbacks in Lesotho, maintenance work on the South African side, managed by the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), is progressing as planned and is expected to be completed on schedule.
The recent above-normal rainfall has filled the Vaal Dam to full capacity (101.51%), ensuring that the extended tunnel closure will not impact water availability for the Integrated Vaal River System. Additionally, the Sol Plaatje (Saulspoort) Dam, currently at 82.1%, can supply water to local communities such as Bethlehem, Reitz, and Tweeling for up to nine months, exceeding the initially planned six-month LHWP tunnel shutdown.
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