The Lesotho Highlands Water Project tunnel was replenished with water following its draining for routine inspection and maintenance at the start of the work last month.

The refill of the tunnel, which is well within schedule, follows the completion of all the repairs and installation of equipment and will pave the way for the transfer of water from Lesotho on 01 December next month.

The tunnel was shut down for purposes of inspection and maintenance from 01 October and will continue until 30 November 2019.

During this period no water transfers to the Vaal River System are possible as the tunnel was drained.

The shutdown was gazetted by the Department of Water and Sanitation and took effect on 13 September 2019.

The LHWP augments the water resources in the Vaal River System that provides water to Rand Water, Sasol, Eskom and a large number of smaller users.

Water users are still requested to work cooperatively with the Department by ensuring that they use water sparingly and with the greatest care.

This is important so as to guarantee that as the work continues, water users are not left in need and that they are able to carry on with their lives as close to normal as possible.