Water Dept says Lesotho Highlands Water Project set to be operating by 2028
This after the South African government entered into an agreement with the water-rich landlocked country to source water from the region, at a time when South Africa is faced with water supply issues.
FILE: An aerial view of a dam from phase 1 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. Picture: http://www.lhda.org.ls/
JOHANNESBURG - The Department of Water and Sanitation says the Lesotho Highlands Water Project will be up and running by 2028.
This is after the South African government agreed with the water-rich landlocked country to source water from the region as South Africa faces water supply issues.
The project is set to boost water supply, especially for Gauteng residents grappling with water shortages.
Water and sanitation officials announced the timeline at a media briefing in Pretoria on Friday.
A rapidly growing population coupled with poor infrastructure maintenance has pushed the government to look abroad for a solution to Gauteng’s water woes.
Water and sanitation director-general Sean Phillips said the Lesotho Highlands project is a medium-term plan to address the crisis.
“We are constructing Lesotho Highlands phase two - which will bring additional water into the integrated Vaal system and that water will start flowing by 2028.”
Phillips said local water utility Rand Water also has a R35-billion Capital Works Programme that is expected to be completed by the time the Lesotho Highlands is in its second phase.
“Rand Water will be able to treat all that additional water coming into the integrated Vaal system and increase the supply of treated water to the municipalities in Gauteng.”
The Lesotho government will be paid royalties by South Africa for the water.