Water from the Lesotho Highlands is flowing again. After months of repairs, the tunnels that bring water to South Africa are full. The water started flowing today through the Little Caledon tunnel. It is set to reach the Ash River Outfall Works in Clarens on May 22, 2025. This means the main water supply for parts of Gauteng and the Free State will be back on track.
The tunnels are part of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. This project moves over 400 million cubic meters of water each year to the Vaal Dam. It was closed for maintenance on October 1, 2024. The work lasted more than six months. Two groups led the repairs. They were the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority from South Africa and the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority.
The maintenance covered many parts of the system. In South Africa, the work focused on the Delivery Tunnel North. In Lesotho, teams worked on the Transfer and Delivery South Tunnels. The work in South Africa was done on time. It ended on March 19, 2025. But the Lesotho side had delays. Because of that, the reopening took longer than planned.
Refilling the tunnels began at the Muela Dam in Lesotho. This took place from May 13 to May 17, 2025. Once the dam was full, water began flowing again toward South Africa. Officials from the Department of Water and Sanitation said they are watching the flow closely. Their goal is to make sure the water moves safely and steadily through the system.
This tunnel system is very important. It brings water to big cities and industries. Without it, many people in South Africa would not have enough water. The project also shows how South Africa and Lesotho work together. They share water and manage it as partners. Their goal is to make sure both countries have what they need.
The Ministry of Water and Sanitation will host an event on Sunday, May 25, 2025. This will mark the full return of water flow at the Ash River Outfall Works. It will be the first time in over seven months that the flow is back to normal.
The Lesotho Highlands Water Project is a joint plan between the two countries. It does more than bring water. It also helps Lesotho make electricity from the water. The tunnels that run through the mountains are key to the whole plan. They let water move from high places in Lesotho to lower areas in South Africa.
People living in Gauteng and the Free State will soon see the results. Their water supply will be back to normal. The long wait is over. The team behind the repairs says the work was needed to keep the system safe. Now that it’s done, they expect a steady and secure water flow for many years.
For now, the water is on its way. It flows quietly through the hills and tunnels, crossing borders, feeding dams, and reaching homes. After months of silence, the tunnels speak again—with the sound of water.
