Clanwilliam dam rejuvenated

The reinvigoration of the Clanwilliam Dam engineering project has kindled a sense of hope and optimism within the communities of the West Coast corridor.

Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu recently conducted an oversight visit to the construction site of the dam. It is situated near the town of Clanwilliam in the Cederberg Local Municipality. This ambitious R4 billion undertaking represents one of the largest government infrastructure investments in the Western Cape.

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Primary focus of the project

The primary focus of the project is to raise the dam wall by a significant 13 meters. A budget of R400 million has been earmarked for the current fiscal year to advance this endeavor.

Minister Mchunu emphasized, “What we see happening here at the dam construction site is encouraging and there is no stopping until we finish.”

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This expansion entails extending the dam wall downstream and elevating it by 13 meters. That will yield an increased water supply.

“The dam currently yields about 123 million cubic meters of water, and when the project is completed, it is expected to yield 343 million cubic meters of water, thus bringing into the system almost double the current yield,” added Mchunu.

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This additional water source holds the promise of supporting resource-poor farmers, enhancing food security, and fostering inclusive economic growth through job creation.

Clanwilliam dam project has bought economic benefits

The project’s restart has also brought economic benefits, offering over 500 job opportunities for workers with varying skill levels and fostering skill development.

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Local businessperson Francois Swaartbooi expressed his satisfaction.

“The project has provided renewed hope for stakeholders of the West Coast,” said Swaartbooi.

Swartbooi mentioned the establishment of a business forum to ensure that local small and medium enterprises can actively participate and benefit from the project.

Western Cape Infrastructure MEC Tertuis Simmers welcomed the project’s resurgence, acknowledging its significance for the region’s energy and agricultural sectors.

“As the spheres of government alongside the private sector, we remain committed to the successful delivery of this project,” said Simmers.

Collaborative efforts of government and the private sector

The collaborative efforts of government and the private sector aim to ensure the project’s timely completion, thus promoting the growth and prosperity of the West Coast corridor.

The current construction activities involve various preparatory tasks, including excavations, drilling, and blasting operations. All of which are critical steps in the dam’s expansion.

The revived Clanwilliam Dam project holds the promise of not only bolstering the region’s water resources. Also contributing to its economic growth and prosperity.

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