The Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) has announced the completion of maintenance work on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) Tunnel North and the Ash River Outfall. The work was finished on schedule by the set deadline of 31 March 2025.
TCTA Chief Executive Officer Percy Sechemane confirmed that work on the South African section of the delivery tunnel was completed as planned. “From the outset of this project, TCTA maintained steady progress despite numerous challenges that could have caused delays, such as elevated moisture levels in the tunnel,” he said.
He added: “As TCTA, we take pride in our commitment to serving the nation with diligence and distinction. We are immensely proud of our consistent ability to deliver projects within budget, on time, and according to specification.”
The six-month maintenance programme began on 1 October 2024. At the time, South Africa’s Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, expressed satisfaction with the preparations for the tunnel closure and the planned work, in a joint statement with Lesotho.
Sechemane noted that while the South African portion was completed on time, the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority, responsible for the Lesotho section, requested an extension due to earlier delays. “We commend their efforts to accelerate progress and minimise the impact of these delays on water delivery to South Africa,” he said.
The full maintenance programme is expected to be completed by the end of April 2025. “Although there will be a delay of a few weeks before water can resume flowing through the LHWP Tunnel, this is not expected to affect water availability in Gauteng negatively,” Sechemane said.
As of 3 April 2024, the Department of Water and Sanitation reported the Vaal Dam at 107.3% capacity.
