Maintenance of the Lesotho Highlands water tunnel is the right thing to do
Professor Mike Miller, a professional engineer with experience in water management, discuss the maintenance of this tunnel, how crucial it is, and what exactly will be maintained.
He said maintenance is essential for this over 100-kilometer tunnel that channels water from the Lesotho mountains to South Africa, particularly between Clarens and Bethlehem. Some parts of the tunnel, especially those near South Africa, pass through softer rock and are lined with concrete or steel. Like any structure, this lining needs regular checks for any issues. The last inspection was in 2019, and it was determined that some rehabilitation was needed.
There is no need to panic
The fact that maintenance can wait until 2024 shows that it’s a routine procedure, not a crisis. For this maintenance, the tunnels need to be dried out so workers can access them, which is no small task given their 5-meter diameter, large enough to drive a bus through. This work ensures the tunnel remains functional for the next 20-25 years.
With the maintenance set to last six months or more, the relevant authorities have made contingency plans. He said he checked the capacity of the Sterkfontein Dam, located on the border between Free State and KZN, and recon it’s more than sufficient to cover any delays. Even if the maintenance extends beyond six months, we can rely on this strategic water reserve. Additionally, it’s worth noting that water stored in the Lesotho dams is less prone to evaporation compared to water stored in the Vaal Dam. Although the Lesotho government prefers generating hydropower by releasing water to South Africa, from an efficiency standpoint, it’s advantageous for South Africa to keep those dams full.
Even with recent water shortages in the country this maintenance should not impact the current water supply. He said the water supply issues in cities are more related to leaks, wastage, and overuse rather than the availability of water in the dams. The dams are managed to ensure a steady supply even during severe droughts. However, cities are currently drawing more water than they should. Reducing water loss through leaks and addressing illegal usage are crucial. If we manage this, we have enough water to meet our needs, especially with a new dam in Lesotho expected around 2028 or 2029.