Lesotho Highlands Water Project Tunnel Closure Extended Due to Maintenance Delays

The Lesotho Highlands Water Project’s tunnel closure has been extended by three weeks due to maintenance delays caused by technical challenges. Despite this extension, the availability of water will not be affected for users of the Integrated Vaal River System, as reservoirs remain stable.

The closure of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project’s (LHWP) tunnels has been extended by three weeks due to maintenance delays impacting the water transfer and delivery system. These delays pertain to challenges faced during maintenance work on the delivery tunnel in southern Lesotho. The specific date for when water will begin flowing through the tunnel will be announced once the maintenance is finished.

Originally scheduled to last from October 1 until March 31, the shutdown has been impacted by evolving weather conditions and technical difficulties faced by the Lesotho Highlands Development Agency. According to departmental spokesperson Wisane Mavasa, one significant issue is higher-than-anticipated seepage caused by a transition from manual to automated sandblasting techniques exacerbated by humidity.

To mitigate this issue, the contractor has acquired additional equipment to better handle the seepage. Despite implementing a recovery plan to expedite maintenance progress in Lesotho, unforeseen delays have occurred. Conversely, maintenance conducted by the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority in South Africa remains on track to be completed as planned.

Currently, the Vaal Dam has reached full capacity at 101.51% following increased rainfall, ensuring that the tunnel closure does not adversely impact water availability for users of the Integrated Vaal River System. Mavasa assured that municipalities along the Liebenbergsvlei River in the Free State will not experience water shortages because the Sol Plaatjie (Saulspoort) Dam is at a healthy level of 82.1%.

In the event of rising demand, water can be released from the Saulspoort Dam, which can supply water to communities such as Bethlehem, Reitz, and Tweeling for up to nine months, surpassing the anticipated six-month duration of the LHWP tunnel closure.

In summary, the extension of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project tunnel closure by three weeks has resulted from maintenance delays primarily due to technical challenges and changing weather patterns. Despite the extended closure, sufficient water resources are available to ensure that municipalities will not face shortages. Officials remain positive about the ongoing maintenance efforts and their impacts on water availability in the region.

Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za