Lesotho Highlands Water Project: 'Stoppage will NOT worsen Joburg's water woes'
Johannesburg’s water provision problems are caused by poor water infrastructure management.
The Katse Dam in Lesotho. Picture: Lesotho Highlands Development Authority/Facebook
Bongani Bingwa interviews Sean Christie from GroundUp.
Listen below.
At midnight on 30 September, large gates were closed at two points along the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, initiating a six-month maintenance shutdown – the longest in the project’s 20-year history.
This decision comes amid concerns that Johannesburg may be mismanaging its water resources following years of inadequate infrastructure management by local municipalities.
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Christie emphasises the importance of this maintenance period, noting that it will ultimately enhance Johannesburg’s water supply.
He warns that delaying this work could lead to longer shutdowns during dry years, which could pose significant challenges.
He reassures residents that there is sufficient water to meet Johannesburg’s needs.
Specialists have corroborated Christie’s claims, confirming that 'there's no danger that this stoppage will exacerbate Joburg's water woes'.
"In the short-term, there's plenty of water to tide over this stoppage."
- Sean Christie, GroundUp
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.