MIDRAND - The Lesotho Highlands Water Project has taken a bad turn.
This comes as maintenance has been extended by three weeks.
It was initially scheduled to end on 31 March, but maintenance work delays experienced in the Delivery Tunnel South on the side of Lesotho caused the deadline to be pushed back.
According to the department spokesperson Wisane Mavasa, some of the factors that contributed to the delays were the 'ever-changing weather patterns'.
Additionally, technical challenges experienced by the implementing agent, the Lesotho Highlands Development Agency (LHDA) also caused delays.
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This is devastating news for communities left without water due to the project.
To date, it is reported that the Vaal Dam is at its full capacity with 101.51 percent due to the recent above-normal rainfall experienced.
According to Mavasa, this capacity does not mean that the water in the dam goes to communities.
A long-term plan is needed to ensure that the Integrated Vaal River System in its entirety with its 14 dams remains at full capacity and can sustain residents over a long period of time.
Mavasa said at the same time Rand Water continues its mandate to supply water to municipalities, which are its customer,s those being Gauteng, part of Mpumalanga, North West and Free State
"Municipalities have been experiencing challenges in ensuring that water reaches communities accordingly because of the relationship between the demand and supply.
"In Gauteng demand has increased over time due to population growth, leaks in municipal systems as well as illegal connections and high consumption," she said.
- eNCA reporter Theodor Mashele has more details.