By rosebell
In order to ensuring the long-term sustainability and integrity of the infrastructure of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), the tunnel has closed for six months’ maintenance, whle this planned maintenance of the transfer and delivery tunnels is part of the Lesotho and South African governments’ ongoing commitment.
The grit-blasting the steel-lined section around the entire circumference and re-applying corrosion protection on the tunnel lining, as well as other maintenance and repair work identified during the 2019 maintenance shutdown, are the contents of this maintenance process.
The scheduled date for completing this work is March 31 next year, and is expected to protect the infrastructure for another 20-30 years.
Due to shutting down the water delivery system for six months, the closure of the LHWP tunnel is going to affect the Phase I Water Transfer and Delivery Tunnels.
According to South Africa’s water and sanitation minister Pemmy Majodina:”During this time, there will be no transfer of water from the Katse Dam to Muela Hydropower Station (Transfer Tunnel – 45km), which will result in the stoppage of power generation at the Muela Hydropower Station in Lesotho.” Additionally, there will be no delivery of water from Lesotho to South Africa through the 37km delivery tunnel.”
With the aim of providing the water through the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) during the shutdown,the Lesotho government has secured additional electricity supply.
