Lesotho Highlands Water Tunnel reopened after delays

The crucial water delivery infrastructure, which channels approximately 700 million cubic meters of water annually from Lesotho to South Africa, forms part of the Vaal River Integrated System. 

This system supplies water to at least five provinces and is critical for ensuring water security in the region.

The tunnel had been undergoing scheduled maintenance since October 2024, with initial plans to complete the work within six months. 

However, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina confirmed that the delays occurred on the Lesotho side of the project.

"By March, our South African team was done with the major maintenance. As you know, this is a project between two countries, Lesotho and South Africa. We were done right on time – by the 31st of March we were done and dusted on the South African side. However, on the Lesotho side, they were not done." 

She attributed the delay to severe weather conditions that disrupted progress in Lesotho.

"Their delays were caused by inclement weather; they couldn't work on the site. They requested an additional three weeks to meet April. By mid-April there was heavy rain, they could not finish, but we were patient with them because we received high levels of rain in the country from January to April, so we didn't have any crisis."

Majodina said the reopening on Sunday was intentionally aligned with Africa Day celebrations.

"We had to allow them to do things in a correct manner. We said to them today (Sunday) is the 25th of May, it is Africa Day. As part of celebrating Africa Day, we must celebrate by receiving our water. Our water must be here in this tunnel today."

She also praised the quality of work completed and noted that efforts continue on the second phase of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

"Good work has been done to bring our water back whilst we are still working on the second phase of Lesotho Highlands."