From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:

Progress is being made on the maintenance and repair of the Lesotho Highlands water tunnel, which was shut down in October to undertake the critical work that will ensure the infrastructure’s longevity. Natasha Odendaal was on site.

Natasha Odendaal:

Since the total shutdown on October 1 for six months, the tunnel, which transfers a contracted 780-million cubic metres of water a year into South Africa, has been emptied of water and general inspections have been conducted.

These essential activities, which revealed that tunnel is still in a good condition, were required before repair works started on November 1.

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo…

Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority CEO Percy Sechemane…

Natasha Odendaal:

The work now under way includes various technical, civil, mechanical and electrical engineering work, as well as sand sandblasting, the recoating of steel lining of the tunnel and removing corrosion that has built up over many years.

The work is split between South Africa’s Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority and the Lesotho Highlands Development Agency.

Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority project management and implementation executive manager Johannes Mavuso…

Sashnee Moodley:

Private aviation services provider VistaJet has added the eighteenth Bombardier Global 7500 ultralong-range business jet to its fleet of 240 aircraft. Schalk Burger has the story.

Schalk Burger:

VistaJet unveiled the new jet to partner and media representatives at the Fireblade Aviation terminal in Gauteng, in South Africa, because of the role Africa plays in its growth, which has prompted it  to continue to invest in the region. VistaJet Europe and Africa president Philippe Scalabrini speaks about the growth the company has experienced.

VistaJet Europe and Africa president Philippe Scalabrini…

Schalk Burger:

The Global 7500 can travel for 17 hours of flight time, has a range of 7 700 nautical miles, or 14 260 km and a top speed Mach 0.925, or 1 142 km/h.

VistaJet has about 20 aircraft dedicated to the region, including three Bombardier Challenger 605 private jets for regional trips, while the Global 7500 provides long-distance capability.

It sees potential demand for a further 10 to 20 aircraft owing to the large need in the region, and it would commit additional aircraft to the region as they are required.

Sashnee Moodley:

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy. Don’t forget to listen to the audio version of our Engineering News daily email newsletter.