Raising of Clanwilliam Dam wall to be completed in 2023

In today’s Standing Committee on Agriculture, Environmental Affairs & Development Planning, it was revealed that construction on the raising of the Clanwilliam Dam wall is expected to reach completion in March 2023, according to a presentation delivered by Mr Steven Arumugam, Chief Director of Infrastructure Development in the National Department of Water and Sanitation.

Andricus van der Westhuizen, MPP, says: “Considering that the feasibility study for the project was completed over a decade ago in October 2007, construction is long overdue. I welcome this development as a necessary step to meet the Western Cape’s growing water demand, and to stimulate increased agricultural activity and job creation in the region. I also welcome the establishment of the Olifants-Doorn Integrated Coordinating Committee to ensure the fair distribution of water rights in the area”.

The Clanwilliam Dam, originally built in 1935, requires significant remedial work to maintain the integrity of the infrastructure along with the raising of the dam wall by 13m over the next four years. The project will cost an estimated R3,5 billion.

MPP Van der Westhuizen adds: “I will be meeting with the Provincial Minister of Environmental Affairs & Development Planning, Anton Bredell, as well as the Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Ivan Meyer, to determine how the Western Cape Government intends on capitalising on the augmented water supply to attract investment, create jobs, and develop the surrounding municipalities accordingly”.

The N7 National Route has already been relocated as part of Phase 1 of the construction process. The raising of the secondary provincial roads affected by the Full Supply Level in the dam basin will be completed by the Provincial Department of Transport and Public Works. A Memorandum of Understanding between the National Department of Water and Sanitation, and the Provincial Department of Transport and Public Works is in process to this effect.

MPP Van der Westhuizen concludes: “This project is a welcome and necessary step for the development of our province and the people of the Cederberg and Matzikama Municipalities. I look forward to tracking the progress of this construction to ensure that the people of the Western Cape receive the infrastructure and services they so deserve”.