The planned maintenance of the transfer and delivery tunnels is part of the Lesotho and South African governments’ ongoing commitment to ensure the long-term sustainability and integrity of the infrastructure of the LHWP.
The maintenance includes grit-blasting the steel-lined section around the entire circumference and re-applying corrosion protection on the tunnel lining, as well as other maintenance and repair work identified during the 2019 maintenance shutdown.
The work, which is due to be completed on March 31 next year, is expected to protect the infrastructure for another 20-30 years.
The closure of the LHWP tunnel will affect the Phase I Water Transfer and Delivery Tunnels, shutting down the water delivery system for six months.
“During this time, there will be no transfer of water from the Katse Dam to Muela Hydropower Station (Transfer Tunnel – 45km), which will result in the stoppage of power generation at the Muela Hydropower Station in Lesotho,” said South Africa’s water and sanitation minister Pemmy Majodina.
“Additionally, there will be no delivery of water from Lesotho to South Africa through the 37km delivery tunnel.
During the shutdown, water will be provided through the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS). The Lesotho government has also secured additional electricity supply.
