Transfer Tunnel
Water enters this 45km-long tunnel through the operating gates of the 98m-high Intake Tower, of which only the access bridge, platform deck and operating room remain above the surface level of the waters ofKatse Dam, within sight of the Malibamatso bridge. The tower has intake 'windows' at four different levels below the surface, so that the best quality water can be transferred, depending on the level of the reservoir.
The original plans for the transfer tunnel required a minimum of 6km of the structure's length to be lined with concrete, for structural support. Instability in the exposed basalt convinced the engineers that lining the full 45km of the Tunnel with 300mm thick concrete would be a safer, if more expensive option. The lining was completed by late 1996, and ready to receive water by April 1997, six months ahead of the updated schedule.
