Minister on oversight visit at Lesotho Water project tunnel in Dihlabeng

By Staff Reporter

BETHLEHEM- Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina and Deputy Ministers David Mahlobo and Sello Seitllolo will conduct an oversight visit to Lesotho Highlands Water Project Tunnel at Clarens, Dihlabeng Local Municipality in the Free State on 14 September 2024 ahead of its closure for maintenance.

DWS Head of Communications, Dr Mandla Mathebula said the DWS has already engaged with all affected municipalities and stakeholders, including provincial government departments, informing them of the planned tunnel closure.

“A follow up oversight by the Minister’s visit will include a meeting with the affected municipalities to assess their state of readiness to continue water supply their respective communities during the shutdown.”

Water and sanitation minister Pemmy Majodina.

According to Dr Mathebula the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Tunnel is preparing for a six-month closure resuming on 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025, as it undergoes planned maintenance, jointly undertaken by the Lesotho Highlands Development Agency and Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority.

“The closure is prompted by a need for extensive maintenance and repair works at the tunnel to ensure optimal water supply, and the tunnel shutdown will have implications for water supply to South Africa, particularly on the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) water users. The IVRS and the users along the Liebenbergsvlei River, Mafube, Nketoana and Dihlabeng Local Municipalities in the Free State will be affected as well,” Mathebula said in a media statement.