Latest news with #LesothoHighlandsWaterProject
IOL News
16-07-2025
- General
- IOL News
Understanding Johannesburg's water crisis: Infrastructure failures and community impact
A man collects water from a roaming tanker. Image: File/ Timothy Bernard/ Independent Newspapers Johannesburg, a sprawling metropolis that is home to over 5.5 million people, is grappling with severe water shortages that are affecting residents from all walks of life. The situation has been exacerbated by a combination of failing infrastructure, ongoing maintenance issues, and the dire realities of climate change. According to a 2025 report by Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, the city's water infrastructure is under immense pressure and fails to meet the growing demand. Frequent leaks, an ageing system, and the expansion of residential areas without corresponding upgrades in infrastructure are at the heart of the problem. Currently, Johannesburg is dealing with an estimated 2,300 burst water pipes, which only serves to intensify the crisis. These are the affected areas. Image: Rand Water Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading In a recent maintenance alert, Johannesburg Water announced that Rand Water's maintenance activities would significantly reduce water supply in various parts of the city, notably affecting areas such as Steyn City, Diepsloot, Carlswald, and Kaalfontein from 15 to 18 July 2025. This planned maintenance comes at a time when the City of Tshwane is also facing its own battles with water shortages due to reservoir maintenance, forcing residents to rely on roaming water tankers for their daily needs. Climate change further complicates South Africa's water crisis. As noted by NuWater, changing rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and increased evaporation rates significantly contribute to the nation's water scarcity. The Department of Water and Sanitation has estimated that repairing and upgrading the nation's beleaguered infrastructure will cost an astounding R90 billion annually over the next decade. The importance of water sources from the Limpopo, Inkomati, Pongola, and Orange River, as well as the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, cannot be overstated, as they currently support about 70% of South Africa's gross domestic product. Expert insights Ferrial Adam, a water specialist who spoke exclusively to IOL, expressed concern about South Africa's management of its water resources. "South Africa is a water scarce country, geographically we have half the average rainfall that is experienced in most parts of the world, but given that, but given this little water, we are still mismanaging it, we are polluting it, we are allowing it to be wasted." Adam emphasised the necessity of a shared sense of responsibility between government and citizens, alongside a compelling call for increased budget allocations to address these pressing challenges. Supporting the statement, Prof. Anja du Plessis, an Associate Professor and water management expert at Unisa, noted the alarming trends indicating an increase in water stress. "South Africa is a water scarce country, with trends showing an increase in water stress due to a multitude of factors such as increased water demands outstripping available supply, continued water pollution and increased climate variability." Du Plessis added that the unreliable water supply and the longer outages across the Gauteng metros are due to neglected municipal infrastructure. A stark illustration of this was the Vaal Dam, which may be sitting above 100% capacity, yet many areas still experience rampant water outages primarily linked to frequent pipe bursts and demand that exceeds available supply. Water springing from a burst pipe at Cnr Bertha and Stiemens Streets in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. 16 July 2025 Image: Koketso Phasha/ IOL Residents' experiences IOL spoke to South Africans to get their thoughts on the water scarcity Itumeleng Tlhabane, 27, from Pretoria said: "It is quite frustrating, because some of us live in rented rooms, we don't have large water storage capacity and the trucks often come when we are at work, leaving us with just enough water to cook, bath and do the dishes, none for laundry." Tshapang Malesela, 22, from Schoonoord in Limpopo said: I don't recall the last time I saw a running tap, the taps in our village last ran when I was very young, we have since been relying on those who have boreholes to supply us with water at various costs, and the water is often very salty because we don't have money to get the cleaning chemicals. Residents can log water related call to Johannesburg Water using fault@ IOL News
IOL News
16-07-2025
- IOL News
From hills to hope, water project drives development in Lesotho
This aerial drone photo taken on July 7, 2025, shows the construction site of the Tunnel Boring Machine Access Adit for Polihali Transfer Tunnel in Mokhotlong District, eastern Lesotho. Image: Xinhua / Yang Guang As night falls over the northern highlands of Lesotho in early July, winter's chill sets in. Yet the Polihali Transfer Tunnel construction site remains a hive of activity. "We have deployed round-the-clock operations with three rotating shifts," said Julius Topo, site manager for the tunnel excavation. A worker monitors the operation of a rock drilling rig at the Tunnel Boring Machine(TBM) Access Adit construction site, in Mokhotlong District, eastern Lesotho, on July 6, 2025. Image: Xinhua / Yang Guang Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The Polihali Transfer Tunnel is the second phase of the multi-phased Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). Designed to supply water from Lesotho to the Gauteng region and surrounding areas in South Africa, the project marks a flagship for this landlocked country and its neighbour. The 38-km tunnel will be excavated using two hard-rock shielded tunnel boring machines (TBM), operating simultaneously from Polihali and Katse. Guests cut the ribbon during the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Arrival Ceremony at the Caledonspoort Border Post in Butha-Buthe District, northern Lesotho, on July 5, 2025. Image: Xinhua / Yang Guang The first TBM began boring from the Katse site earlier this year. On July 5, a launch ceremony was held for the second TBM at the Caledonspoort Border Post in Butha-Buthe, Lesotho. This China-manufactured machine was shipped to Durban Port and will be assembled at the Polihali site. It is expected to significantly speed up the excavation process to meet the slated 2028 completion date. Speaking at the ceremony, South Africa's High Commissioner to Lesotho Constance Seoposengwe said she believed the new machine would give further impetus to the already ongoing work on the project. "The Lesotho Highlands Water Project is more than just a water project," she said. "Local jobs have been created, and new roads have been built in the Kingdom." Lesotho children watch a convoy of trucks transporting components of a China-manufactured hard-rock shielded tunnel boring machine (TBM) on a hillside near Pitseng, in Leribe District, northern Lesotho, on July 6, 2025. Image: Xinhua / Yang Guang Constructed by Kopano Ke Matla (KKM), a joint venture between China's Yellow River Company, Sinohydro Bureau 3, and South Africa's Unik Civil Engineering, the tunnel is the largest ongoing infrastructure project between the two countries. Its very name, KKM, meaning "unity is strength" in the Sesotho language, one of the official languages of Lesotho, reflects the diversity and inclusiveness of the workforce. Topo, a veteran of the LHWP's first phase in the 1990s, underpinned the importance of passing on experience. "TBMs were used in Phase I, but 30 years have passed. Now it is time for me to share my knowledge with local colleagues to enhance site organisation," he said. "Managing a multicultural team has many challenges, but I am learning from the Chinese and sharing what I know. We are getting along," he added. Liu Xiaolan (2nd R), a civil engineer of the Kopano Ke Matla Joint Venture, speaks with workers at the Segment Factory of the Polihali Transfer Tunnel Project, in Mokhotlong District, eastern Lesotho, on July 7, 2025. Polihali Transfer Tunnel is part of Phase II of the multi-phased Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). Image: Xinhua / Yang Guang According to Xu Xishuai, the commercial manager of KKM, more than 99 percent of the skilled workforce is locally hired, creating over 1,800 jobs since the company's involvement. "The project has improved local infrastructure, provided employment, and passed on essential vocational skills. It is more than just tunnel construction," Xu said. While the project is still underway, its benefits are already evident. Regional transport services have expanded. A significant portion of engineers, subcontractors and suppliers are local. And the use of local construction materials and catering services has kept spending within the community, reinforcing the project's positive community impact. Born in the nearby village of Bafali, tunnel engineer Montso Lebitsa has witnessed the changes firsthand. "Traveling from Mapholaneng to Katse used to take more than eight hours due to poor traffic. Now, it takes less than two, thanks to the new road built for the project," Lebitsa recalled with a smile. Health support has also improved. "The Chinese medical team comes here from time to time to provide free health services to workers and residents. We are in remote areas where clinics or health facilities are far from the communities," said Maseqhoang Sechaba, the project's community liaison officer. Masiphola Sekonyela, chief of Tloha Re Bue, one of the areas near the Polihali site, praised the project's contributions. "When I heard the Chinese would lead this project, I was excited. They work hard and know how to get the job done," he said. "Our people rely on farming and herding, but now they have jobs, better access to goods, and more options for the future." Workers of the Kopano Ke Matla Joint Venture take part in a training session at the Skills Training Center for the Polihali Transfer Tunnel Project, in Mokhotlong District, eastern Lesotho, on July 7, 2025. Image: Xinhua / Yang Guang Pride Mudzingwa, chief executive officer of Tashie Training and Business Solutions, is overseeing the vocational training effort for KKM. "We have categorised participants as unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled so we can tailor classes accordingly," Mudzingwa said. Class sizes have been reduced from 20-25 people to 10-15 for better outcomes. Courses range from five-day workshops to three-year programs and cover plumbing, fixing, quality assurance, and more. With an investment of more than 44 million Lesotho lotis (2.47 million US dollars), the program aims to train more than 6,000 skilled workers over three years. So far, more than 500 have completed training and returned to work. "We issue certificates recognised across Southern African countries, which means workers can stay employed or even be promoted after the project ends," said Rethabile Letsoalo, community/client liaison officer of Tashie Training and Business Solutions. "This could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many, and we are grateful that our Chinese partners are giving it for free," Letsoalo said. Trucks transport components of a China-manufactured hard-rock shielded tunnel boring machine (TBM) along a mountain road in Thaba-Tseka District, eastern Lesotho, on July 8, 2025. Image: Xinhua / Yang Guang For Mpoi Elizabeth Rankhethoa, a translator at the Katse site who graduated last year from the Central University of Finance and Economics in China on a full scholarship, returning home to work on this project has been eye-opening. "We rarely have a project of this scale in Lesotho, and it truly means a lot," Rankhethoa said. "It is not the first time China and Lesotho have worked together, and it certainly won't be the last." Xinhua
News24
28-05-2025
- Business
- News24
The Lead: From Lesotho to Emfuleni, securing SA's precious water sources
It's a mammoth legacy project critical to keeping the taps flowing in Johannesburg, Pretoria, and the rest of Gauteng well into the future. However, the tax costs associated with ensuring that phase two of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project goes as planned have ballooned exponentially. As News24's climate editor Lameez Omarjee reports, yet another investigation into our often controversial national water affairs is now in the offing due to this project's persistent delays: 'This project is behind nine years. From what I gathered, water will be delivered by 2028… construction should be closed by 2030.' With more dams and tunnels, phase two of this legacy project is expected to provide about 490 million cubic litres more water to South Africa every year. The Lead's trending topic stays with SA's water woes. Plans are afoot for utility Rand Water to help mop up Emfuleni's sewage pollution crisis of the past decade by setting up the new Vaal Water Corporation. Finally, the national minibus taxi body, Santaco, will soon consider implementing a cashless payment system. Listen on Apple Podcasts:
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Here's how many millions SA sends to Lesotho each month for water
Meanwhile, Lesotho has a pretty hefty VAT bill. South Africa pays approximately R230 million monthly in royalties to Lesotho for water from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, while Lesotho owes R513 million in outstanding value-added tax (VAT) refunds as of February 2024. These monthly payments drop to around R120 million during periods when water delivery is disrupted. According to a briefing on Tuesday by the Department of Water and Sanitation to the portfolio committee on Water and Sanitation, the royalty structure operates on a 56-44% split favouring Lesotho. Teboho Nkhahle, South African Chief Delegate to the Lesotho Highlands Water Commission, confirmed South Africa 'started paying the revised royalties in January 2024' following recalculations using updated methodologies. 'We are currently paying around R230 million a month. But in the last six months, because there was no water being delivered and no electricity being generated, we're paying around R120 million a month.' The current treaty includes a 12-year review cycle for royalty rates. Committee members called for external auditing by the Auditor General of South Africa to provide more rigorous oversight. South Africa's Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo indicated willingness to explore such arrangements, stating: 'We will mandate our teams that we should find modalities… that are more credible on ensuring that even that institution is on the other side.' The R513 million VAT debt represents outstanding VAT refunds that Lesotho owes to South Africa. Nkhahle confirmed that diplomatic efforts are underway to resolve these financial obligations. Lesotho Highlands Water Project costs escalate to R53.3 billion The second phase of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project will deliver an additional 490 million cubic meters of water annually to South Africa, supplementing 780 million cubic meters from Phase One. The water primarily serves Gauteng province. The project operates under the 1986 treaty between South Africa and Lesotho, with oversight from the Lesotho Highlands Water Commission, comprising six commissioners from each country. Mahlobo confirmed that the project remains on track for commissioning by 2029, despite recent setbacks, including contractor suspensions due to negligence and concerns over pollution. 'The project is proceeding,' Mahlobo stated, emphasising that different work packages continue simultaneously even when specific components face delays. The project's budget has escalated significantly from its original estimates, with current projections at R53.3 billion. Originally estimated to cost R42.06 billion, the project escalated to R53.3 billion. Mahlobo reaffirmed that water delivery is expected by August 2028, with completion scheduled for September 2028. Construction progress has reached 77% for major components. Nkahle explained that the R53.3 billion long-term cost plan already includes R6.2 billion in contingencies. 'This escalation and contingencies [are ]already built into this long-term cost plan, and also furthermore, each contract also has built in contingency,' Nkhahle said. ALSO READ: Completion date for R53 billion Lesotho Highlands Water Project postponed again Lesotho Highlands Water Project financial structure Committee members expressed concern about the impact on water tariffs and the need for transparency in cost management. 'All of us who are very worried, very worried around the issues of cost escalation, some of the cost escalation is because of the issues of contingencies,' Mahlobo acknowledged during the briefing. South Africa bears all cost-related payments through the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), which borrows from markets and recovers costs through water tariffs. Water tariffs have been negotiated with end users, such as Randwater, 'over CPI' to account for escalating costs. The funding strategy incorporates long-term loans to prevent sharp tariff increases. Additionally, 33% of project costs are allocated to acid mine drainage treatment, a decision made to protect the quality of water being transferred from Lesotho. Percy Sechemane, TCTA CEO, confirmed the funding arrangements where South Africa receives 'the enduring benefit of water transfer.' ALSO READ: Full Vaal Dam to the rescue as Lesotho Highlands Water Project takes bad turn Contractor suspension and pollution issues A major contractor was temporarily suspended due to negligence, specifically related to pollution in the construction area. The suspension was triggered by environmental concerns affecting water quality in the Katse Dam reservoir. 'The contractor was indeed actually suspended. That's the report we got,' Mahlobo confirmed, adding that the minister had to intervene after the matter became public through media reports. Nkhahle confirmed that 'that suspension has been lifted and the 1,300 workers who were temporarily laid off resumed work this morning.' The engineer accepted interim measures implemented by contractors, along with a comprehensive remedial plan to address environmental concerns. Nkhahle clarified that the pollution was 'localised and insignificant due to the size of the effluent that was running into the reservoir in relation to the total volume of the reservoir.' However, he noted it was significant from a construction monitoring perspective. ALSO READ: Gauteng residents warned to brace for major water disruptions this week Treaty review and financial management The current treaty includes a 12-year review cycle for royalty rates, but committee members questioned why reviews don't occur annually to match maintenance and operational cost variations. Percy Sechemane, CEO of the TCTA, explained that the lengthy review period provides stability for funders. 'The treaty itself is an instrument that a lot of thought went into from both South Africa and Lesotho,' he said, noting that frequent changes would make financiers uncomfortable about their investments. Sechemane also confirmed that water tariffs have already been negotiated with end users like Randwater to account for the escalated costs, with increases 'over CPI on the South African side so that we can close that gap.' Lesotho Highlands young professionals' programme The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority's Young Professionals Programme currently has 60 graduates. However, only five are from South Africa despite 39 being offered opportunities. According to project officials, South African graduates declined participation due to low stipends and challenging working conditions in the mountains. NOW READ: Municipal water crisis 'nothing to do with bulk water supply', says minster at LHWP reopening
Eyewitness News
26-05-2025
- Climate
- Eyewitness News
Water and Sanitation Dept says not responsible for delays in Lesotho Highlands Water Project
JOHANNESBURG - The Department of Water and Sanitation says it is not responsible for the delays in reactivating the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). The tunnel, which had been undergoing maintenance since October last year, was not restored to operation by its scheduled deadline at the end of March. Its main function is to transport over 700 million cubic meters of water annually from Lesotho to at least five South African provinces to ensure water security in the region. The tunnel was finally brought back online on Sunday. Over the past seven months, the department, in collaboration with its Lesotho counterpart, has been meticulously carrying out maintenance on the LHWP. READ: Water from Lesotho gushes into SA's conduits 7 months after shutdown The 38-kilometre-long tunnel required a thorough inspection for surface cracks and corrosion. It was recoated using 43,000 litres of paint. Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina said the work on the South African side was completed before the end of March, with delays occurring primarily on the Lesotho side. "On the Lesotho side, they were not done. Their delays were caused by inclement weather and they requested an additional three weeks. We were patient with them because we also received heavy rain, so we had to allow them to do things in the correct manner." The tunnel is now back in operation, transporting water from Lesotho into South Africa's Vaal River integrated system.
