South Africa’s 6-Month Water Shutdown

A six-month maintenance project on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project has already begun and is set to finish in March 2025. This is a crucial water source for the country and residents need to be aware of the water shutdown details.

What is the Lesotho Highlands Water Project?

Developed by Lesotho and South Africa, the project is a collaborative initiative to divert water from the highlands of Lesotho to South Africa’s Free State and Johannesburg. The project is designed to transfer over 1.27 billion cubic metres of water annually from Lesotho to the IVRS, as explained by Ifedotun Aina,  a Senior Researcher in the Water and Production Economics Unit at the University of Cape Town. 

She further explained that the LHWP is a “lifeline for millions of South Africans.” 

Below is a list of what the LHWP provides:

• Satisfies 60% of Gauteng’s water demand
• Supplies the irrigation water for commercial farms
• Provides water to regions with frequent droughts and irregular rainfall
• Contributes to environmental conservation

What is the Maintenance Project?

The LHWP consists of a tunnel system, linking Katse Dam with Muela Power Station, Muela Dam, and Ash River Outfall Works. Tunnel maintenance and inspections happen every five to ten years, with the last one being in 2019. This latest inspection revealed urgent maintenance needed for the steel liners on both the South African and Lesotho sides. A spokesperson from the Department of Water and Sanitation said, “The six months period required to conduct maintenance is crucial to avoid any catastrophic event which may result from a lack of maintenance.”

The work required during the maintenance period includes:

• Grit-blasting the steel-lined section around the entire area
• Re-applying corrosion protection the tunnel lining
• Other maintenance and repair work identified during the 2019 maintenance shutdown

This work will be conducted in phases and is expected to protect the infrastructure for another 20-30 years. In the first month, the tunnels will be emptied in preparation for the remainder of the maintenance project tasks. The last months will be spent inspecting and refilling the tunnels with water.

What is the Impact on the Communities?

The DWS analysis states that there will be “minimal” water supply disruptions. However, Aina said that residential areas relying on the tunnels, including Mafube, Nketoana, and Dihlabeng, may face restrictions, reduced pressure, and shorter availability periods. Residents in these areas may need to consider alternative options. 

The shutdown may also impact agriculture, resulting in reduced productivity, crop failures, and financial losses for farmers. For these areas that are significantly impacted, the DWS said it plans to mitigate any potential water supply issues during the maintenance project period. Additional water will be sourced from the Saulspoort Dam to meet the needs of impacted communities. 

DWS emphasized that it “urges all water users who will be affected by the planned tunnel maintenance to use water sparingly during this period, as a means of managing any unforeseen risks.”

How Can Business Connect South Africa Help? 

Business Connect offers several products for use during times of water shortages. Two of our products that would help immensely during this maintenance period for those that are affected are Aquatabs 8.68g Tablet and the VF100 water filter. Keep reading to find out more!

Aquatabs 8.68 g Tablet

These tablets are perfect for large-scale applications like home water tanks, which are ideal in scenarios where water may be limited for months and citizens need to turn to groundwater or rainwater. They come in a tub of 10 and can purify up to 2,500 litres of cloudy water in just 30 minutes. Trusted worldwide, Aquatabs removes bacteria, viruses, and cysts, like Giardia, ensuring your stored water is safe. Find out more about how Aquatabs can protect you and your family during a water shutdown here. 

VF100 Home Filter

This filter attaches to any plastic bucket and most standard plastic bottles to provide clean water in minutes. The VF100 removes contaminants from a variety of water sources and does not require electricity in order to work. The device is easy to clean and will last for many years when properly maintained. To find out more about how this filter could be the perfect solution for you during a water shutdown, click here. 

We, at Business Connect South Africa, believe that water should be readily accessible to all. Check out our website for resources and products that can help to achieve this mission.