The water is expected to reach the Ash River Outfall Works in South Africa by Thursday (22/5), marking a significant milestone in the cross-border water management project.

The tunnel system, a critical component of water supply to South Africa, was shut down on 1 October for joint maintenance by the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) on the Delivery Tunnel North in South Africa and the Lesotho Highlands Development Agency (LHDA) on the transfer and delivery south tunnels in Lesotho. While work on the South African side concluded on schedule by 19 March 2025, delays in Lesotho extended the closure period.

Wisane Mavasa, spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation, confirmed the completion of maintenance and the resumption of tunnel refilling.

“The filling of the tunnel started with Muela Dam in Lesotho between 13 and 17 May, and the Department of Water and Sanitation and the TCTA are closely monitoring the flow of water filling the Delivery Tunnel North in South Africa,” she explained.

Mavasa said water subsequently reached the Little Caledon tunnel on Wednesday (21/5) morning and is expected to reach Ash River Outfall Today. The tunnel plays a crucial role in supplying water to Free State and Gauteng provinces and supplies more than 400 million m³ of water to the Vaal Dam annually.” 

The Ministry of Water and Sanitation will oversee the tunnel's water outflow at the Ash River Outfall Works on Sunday, ending the prolonged closure. The reopening is expected to stabilise the water supply to critical regions and ensure the continued functionality of one of South Africa’s most vital water infrastructure systems.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh