During a media briefing in Pretoria earlier this year, the Department of Water and Sanitation highlighted the importance of an upcoming maintenance shutdown to ensure the longevity of a critical water tunnel.
The last maintenance occurred in 2019, and this upcoming work is expected to sustain the tunnel’s functionality for approximately 20 years. Dr Sean Phillips, DG: Departement Water and Sanitation, said that this maintenance is crucial to prevent any risk to the tunnel’s integrity, which is essential for the transfer of 780 million cubic meters of water into the integrated Vaal River system, a key source of water for Rand Water’s customers. The maintenance period, which is expected to last six months, is vital to avoid any potential catastrophic events that could arise from neglecting the tunnel.
As a result of the shutdown, 700 million cubic meters of water will be transferred in 2024, which is 80 million cubic meters less than the usual annual transfer.
However, once the maintenance is complete, water transfers will be increased to compensate for this shortfall.
The Hydro Power Water Project, a partnership between Lesotho and South Africa, includes several large dams and tunnels. South Africa pays royalties to Lesotho for the water supplied through this system. Despite recent water supply challenges, Mr Sipho Mosai, the Rand Water Chief Executive, has assured that communities will not be impacted by the tunnel maintenance, as there are other dams in the catchment area to supplement water supply if needed.
He said that the current water volumes in the Vaal Dam and surrounding systems are sufficient to meet water demand for the six-month maintenance period.
Should any challenges arise, additional water can be drawn from other relatively full dams. Agriculture and irrigation will also remain unaffected, as the maintenance is scheduled during the summer when water flow from tributaries is typically higher. Mr Livhuwani Mabuda, the deputy director general for infrastructure, expect that licensed farmers abstract about 19 million cubic meters of water annually, and with additional inflows from summer rainfall and releases from the Sol Plaatje Dam, local water needs will be met. The Department has urged municipalities to practice water prudence, emphasizing the long-term need for more efficient water use, improved wastewater treatment, and diversification of water sources. Should the maintenance extend beyond six months, the government has contingency plans in place to ensure continued water supply.