Lesotho Highlands Water Project Tunnel Closure Extended Due to Maintenance Delays

The Lesotho Highlands Water Project’s tunnel closure is extended by three weeks due to maintenance delays caused by weather and technical challenges. The department reassures that this extension will not affect water availability in the Integrated Vaal River System, as water levels in key dams are satisfactory.

The water and sanitation department announced a three-week extension of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project’s (LHWP) tunnel closure. This delay is attributed to maintenance work on the southern delivery tunnel, which has been impacted by adverse weather conditions and technical difficulties. Reports indicate that seepage in the tunnel is higher than anticipated, prompting the implementing agency to reassess their sand blasting techniques.

Initially scheduled to run from October 1 to March 31, the maintenance schedule was adjusted due to these complications. The spokesperson for the department, Wisane Mavasa, noted that the shift from manual to automated sandblasting methods has faced challenges due to humidity levels. The contractor has secured additional equipment to manage the seepage issues more effectively while implementing a recovery plan to expedite maintenance progress.

Although there are delays in Lesotho, maintenance activities carried out by the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority in South Africa are progressing as planned. Furthermore, with the Vaal Dam currently at full capacity due to significant rainfall, the department reassured that the tunnel closure will not impede water availability for users in the Integrated Vaal River System.

Mavasa confirmed that municipalities along the Liebenbergsvlei River in the Free State will remain sufficiently supplied with water, as the Sol Plaatjie (Saulspoort) Dam is operating at a satisfying level of 82.1%. Should water demands arise, the dam can release water to support downstream communities, providing sustenance for up to nine months.

In summary, maintenance delays have extended the Lesotho Highlands Water Project’s tunnel closure by three weeks. Despite these challenges, the water and sanitation department assures that water supply remains stable for affected regions, bolstered by sufficient dam levels. Continued efforts are in place to address maintenance setbacks while maintaining water availability for all stakeholders involved.

Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za