The tunnel closure for the Lesotho Highlands Water Project has been extended by three weeks due to maintenance delays caused by technical challenges. Despite this, water availability for users is assured due to high dam levels, and municipalities will not face shortages during the extension period.
The Lesotho Highlands Water Project’s (LHWP) tunnel closure has been extended by three weeks due to maintenance delays. The water and sanitation department announced this extension, impacting the water transfer and delivery tunnels because of challenges faced by the implementing agency, the Lesotho Highlands Development Agency. The completion date for the maintenance work will be provided once the tasks have been finalized.
Originally, the tunnel shutdown was set to occur from October 1 to March 31. However, changing weather patterns and technical difficulties have necessitated this delay. Spokesperson Wisane Mavasa noted that increased seepage in the tunnel resulted from a switch from manual to automated sandblasting techniques, which were negatively impacted by high humidity levels.
Mavasa indicated that the contractor has acquired additional equipment to manage the seepage more effectively. Although a recovery plan has been enacted to expedite maintenance progress, delays remain unavoidable. Meanwhile, maintenance work in South Africa by the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority is proceeding as scheduled.
With the Vaal Dam currently at full capacity following recent substantial rainfall, the department has reassured water users that the closure will not disrupt water supply for Integrated Vaal River System users. Mavasa further confirmed that municipalities along the Liebenbergsvlei River in the Free State will not experience water shortages during the extended closure, with the Sol Plaatjie (Saulspoort) Dam at a healthy level of 82.1%.
Water can be released from the Saulspoort Dam to support downstream users as necessary, enabling communities in Bethlehem, Reitz, and Tweeling to have sufficient supply for up to nine months, surpassing the expected duration of six months for the LHWP tunnel shutdown.
The three-week extension of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project’s tunnel closure, caused by maintenance delays, highlights the challenges faced by the implementing agency. Despite these set-backs, the availability of water remains secure for users in the region due to adequate water levels in local dams. The situation underscores the importance of effective management and timely maintenance to ensure uninterrupted water supply.
Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za
