Water Minister set to provide update on Lesotho Highlands Water Project
The tunnel has been out of operation for a month due to repairs on worn-out pipes and other essential maintenance tasks.
FILE: An aerial view of a dam from phase 1 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. Picture: http://www.lhda.org.ls/
JOHANNESBURG - Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina is set to provide an update on the ongoing maintenance work at the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
The tunnel has been out of operation for a month due to repairs on worn-out pipes and other essential maintenance tasks.
On Friday, Majodina is expected to conduct a site inspection at the tunnel in Clarence, Free State and share a progress report.
READ: Water Dept assures it has enough reserves during LHWP tunnel maintenance
The 38km tunnel transports water from Lesotho to South Africa, supplying five provinces in five provinces: Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape and North West.
A major maintenance project, which began on 1 October 2024, will result in the tunnel being out of service until March 2025.
The government said this shutdown would affect the water supply to various parts of South Africa, including the Vaal River integrated system.
In recent weeks, municipalities in Gauteng have struggled to meet the rising water demand in communities.
READ: Joburg's water issues 'self-inflicted' - Majodina
The increasing water consumption has caused Rand Water to exceed the maximum volume of water it is permitted to extract from the Vaal River.
The government said maintenance work at the tunnel would ensure optimal water supply.