No indication parts of SA will run out of water any time soon, says Mahlobo
The statement comes despite the closure of the Lesotho Highlands Water Tunnel, which transports water from Lesotho to several South African provinces.
Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation David Mahlobo said there is no indication that parts of the country will run out of water any time soon.
This is despite the closure of the Lesotho Highlands Water Tunnel, which transports water from Lesotho to several South African provinces.
The tunnel will remain out of service until March 2025 to allow the Department of Water and Sanitation to conduct its mega maintenance project.
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Gauteng receives its water from Lesotho, transported through a 38km underground tunnel to South Africa. The tunnel was drained in October to allow maintenance work to be carried out.
This means that between now and March, South Africa will not receive any water from Lesotho due to the tunnel’s closure.
However, Mahlobo said there is more than enough water to keep taps running.
“The system remains stable, but there are vulnerabilities. Even if citizens still get water, they still have to use it sparingly.”
The tunnel transports over 780 million cubic metres of water to South Africa every year.
The Department of Water and Sanitation, meanwhile, has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing maintenance work on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
The tunnel carries water from Lesotho to South Africa, feeding into the Vaal River Integrated System.
Mahlobo conducted a site inspection at the tunnel on Friday, assessing the progress of the maintenance work.
He said the maintenance will extend the tunnel's lifespan by another twenty years.
“Why are we having this infrastructure in a very good condition? Because there has been regular maintenance. That’s why we call it the doctrine of asset management. But the condition is still good.”