In a virtual meeting with members of this chamber, Ntate Lawrence Ramuwela from the Dihlabeng municipality disclosed that the extraction point at Little Caledon has been repeatedly vandalized since January 2023.
The electricity supply has been fixed by Eskom.
The existing pipeline will remain operational, and an additional pipeline will be installed. The process for repairing the pump station is currently in the tender phase, with a “7-day tender” to be followed. Once a contractor is selected, the pump station will be repaired promptly. Mr. Lawrence will follow up with the supply chain and provide feedback to this chamber. No specific dates for implementation or completion can be given until this feedback is received. Additionally, as part of this project, security at the pump station will be enhanced.
Scheduled Maintenance
The Lesotho Highland Tunnel is set to be closed for scheduled maintenance from October 1 to March 31, 2025. Consequently, it is imperative that the pump station is repaired as soon as possible.
The Department of Water and Sanitation advised all water users to plan ahead and be aware of this situation. Cooperation is essential to mitigate the effects of this temporary disruption and ensure a reliable water supply throughout the maintenance period.
This maintenance work, undertaken jointly by the Lesotho Highlands Development Agency (LHDA) and the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), is crucial for carrying out comprehensive repairs and ensuring the tunnels operate efficiently for water supply.
The Lesotho Highland Water Project tunnel includes a transfer tunnel that connects Katse Dam to Muela Power Station and Muela Dam, along with a delivery tunnel linking Muela Dam to the Ash River Outfall Works between Clarens and Bethlehem.
Regions that will be affected include the Vaal River System, users along the Liebenbergsvlei River, and the Mafube, Nketoana, and Dihlabeng Local Municipalities in the Free State. The Department of Water and Sanitation is actively coordinating with these municipalities and implementing strategies to maintain water supply during the closure. Nonetheless, water availability from the rivers will be impacted.
Muela Tailpond Dam
After electricity is generated, water flows from the three 24MW turbines into the Muela Tailpond, a dam standing 55 meters high. This dam serves as the starting point for water delivery to South Africa. An intake tower at the dam directs water into the Delivery Tunnel South, which connects with the Delivery Tunnel North, ultimately leading to the Ash River Outfall in Clarens, South Africa.
Additionally, water from the Muela reservoir can be released into the Little Caledon River through two outlet valves. The Little Caledon bypass enables water to be diverted down the Caledon River to supply emergency water to the Eastern, Central, and Southern Free State regions, as well as to Lesotho border towns during severe drought conditions.