Lesotho Highlands Water Project Secured to Operate for Another 25 Years
The Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) tunnel, a critical infrastructure link between Lesotho and South Africa, has been declared structurally sound and capable of operating efficiently for another 25 years. This announcement follows the successful completion of extensive planned maintenance that began in October last year.
The Department of Water and Sanitation in South Africa confirmed that the tunnel, which delivers water from Lesotho’s highland reservoirs to the Gauteng region, is once again fully operational. Water flow to South Africa was officially restored seven months after being temporarily shut down for detailed structural inspections and engineering upgrades..
The Importance of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project
First commissioned in 1998, the Lesotho Highlands Water Project is a bi-national initiative established to secure water supply for South Africa’s industrial hub while also generating hydroelectric power and economic benefits for Lesotho. The tunnel spans approximately 82 kilometers, transporting billions of liters of clean mountain water from Lesotho into South Africa’s Vaal River system.
The project has been lauded for promoting cross-border cooperation, contributing to water security, and creating thousands of jobs over the years. However, as with all large-scale infrastructure, routine maintenance is essential to ensure continued safety and functionality.
The LHWP tunnel has undergone periodic inspections since its initial activation. The first round of planned maintenance was conducted in 2003, followed by another in 2012. The latest effort, which began in October 2024, marks the most comprehensive to date.
During the seven-month shutdown, the flow of water from Lesotho to South Africa was completely halted—raising concerns about potential water shortages in some regions. However, through careful planning, water storage strategies, and system management, South Africa was able to maintain uninterrupted supply throughout the maintenance period.
Nkhahle detailed the scale of the recent maintenance project, noting that the team used 43,000 litres of industrial-grade paint to recoat internal steel sections of the tunnel. More than 19,000 square meters of steel were meticulously sandblasted, cleaned, repainted, and inspected to meet international safety and durability standards.
As the infrastructure ages, authorities have committed to regular scheduled maintenance every five years, ensuring the tunnel continues to meet operational demands. The next planned inspection and maintenance cycle is already scheduled for 2030.
This shift toward more frequent maintenance reflects a proactive approach to infrastructure management and highlights the importance of the Lesotho-South Africa water partnership in regional planning. Experts have noted that climate change, urban population growth, and water demand are all increasing, making projects like LHWP even more vital.
Regional Impact and Cooperation
The successful maintenance and reactivation of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project tunnel underscore the importance of long-term regional collaboration. Lesotho benefits economically through royalties and infrastructure development, while South Africa secures a steady and clean water supply for its most populous province.
In a time of increasing water scarcity, the LHWP stands as a model for sustainable resource sharing between nations. The project has also drawn attention from other African countries looking to strengthen cross-border water agreements.
With the successful completion of this major maintenance cycle, both Lesotho and South Africa have reaffirmed their commitment to preserving one of Africa’s most ambitious water-sharing agreements. The Lesotho Highlands Water Project is now poised to serve both nations for decades to come, ensuring that the people and economies dependent on its flow can continue to thrive.
As the tunnel resumes operations, it does so not only as an engineering feat but also as a powerful symbol of what inter-African collaboration can achieve when guided by foresight, partnership, and shared purpose.
Source – EWN
