The Lesotho Highlands Water Project’s water transfer tunnel closure has been extended by three weeks due to maintenance delays caused by weather and technical challenges. Despite these setbacks, the Vaal Dam remains at full capacity, ensuring water availability for users during this period. Local communities will continue to have adequate water supplies from the Saulspoort Dam, which can sustain them for up to nine months.
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 delay is attributable to issues in the Delivery Tunnel South, resulting in a three-week extension. The initial closure was scheduled from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, but will now be affected further upon completion of the maintenance work.
Mavasa noted that unpredictable weather patterns and technical difficulties encountered by the Lesotho Highlands Development Agency (LHDA) caused these setbacks. Problems included unexpectedly high seepage levels in the tunnel stemming from a change in the sandblasting technique from manual to automated processes, which had been impacted by high humidity. The contractor is actively procuring additional equipment to address these seepage issues, although unavoidable delays have persisted despite a recovery plan in place.
On the South African side, the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) is reportedly on schedule with their maintenance work, which is expected to be completed on time. Despite the adverse effects of heavy rainfall in Gauteng, which caused flooding, these rains have simultaneously replenished the Vaal Dam, bringing it to full capacity.
The extension of the tunnel closure will not compromise water availability for users of the Integrated Vaal River System, thanks to full dams and satisfactory levels at the Sol Plaatjie (Saulspoort) Dam, currently at 82.1%. Local municipalities along the Liebenbergsvlei River are assured of adequate water supplies, with the Saulspoort Dam capable of supplying local communities for up to nine months, surpassing the projected six-month period of the tunnel’s closure.
The South African Weather Service (Saws) has issued a yellow level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms expected in various regions, emphasizing vigilance among communities during this period of volatile weather conditions.
In conclusion, the extension of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project closure highlights the complexities inherent in large infrastructure projects and the impact of environmental factors on maintenance timelines. Despite the delays caused by maintenance issues and adverse weather, the availability of water resources in the Vaal Dam and the Saulspoort Dam ensures that local communities will remain supported during this period. Overall, the diligent efforts of the authorities involved aim to resolve the challenges promptly and efficiently.
Original Source: www.citizen.co.za
