Lesotho Water Tunnel Back Online After Months of Delays—South Africa Clears Itself of Blame

The Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) tunnel is now formally operational again after months of waiting. Seven months after being shut down for maintenance in October, the water transfer system was confirmed to have resumed operations this past Sunday by the South African Department of Water and Sanitation.

The 38-kilometer tunnel is essential to maintaining the water security of the area because it transports more than 700 million cubic meters of water annually from Lesotho to five provinces in South Africa. Concern over its temporary closure had grown, particularly after it failed to meet the original reactivation deadline of the end of March.

Now that water is flowing into the Vaal River integrated system once more, South African officials have stated unequivocally that the delays were not their fault.

South Africa’s maintenance work was finished on schedule, according to Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina. But the Lesotho side ran into unforeseen difficulties.

Because of the extreme weather, Lesotho asked for a three-week extension. We were sympathetic because we were also experiencing a lot of rain,” Majodina said.

Both nations collaborated to examine and improve the tunnel during the closure. Engineers concentrated on detecting surface cracks and controlling corrosion. To ensure long-term durability, the interior was repainted using 43,000 liters of protective paint.

One of Africa’s most important water-sharing initiatives, the LHWP was first introduced as a bilateral agreement between South Africa and Lesotho. The delay demonstrated how crucial careful coordination and reciprocal cooperation are for both nations.

Officials anticipate that the tunnel’s full operation will signal the return of a consistent water supply and a resurgence of faith in the project’s long-term viability.

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Sourced:EWN

Picture: Pexel