Cape Town: Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has pledged to ensure the acceleration of the R5.7 billion project aimed at raising the Clanwilliam Dam wall located on the Olifants River in the Western Cape. Majodina made these remarks during an oversight visit to the dam, emphasizing the importance of completing the project by 2028.
According to South African Government News Agency, the project is part of the Olifants-Doorn River Water Resources Project (ODRWP) currently underway. The concrete placement of the dam’s apron began in March and concluded in June of the previous year. This structure is essential for protecting the dam against water washes and controlling flows, while also preventing sediments and pollutants from impacting water quality and storage capacity.
The project is set to supply raw water to farmers, municipalities, mines, and industries in the Olifants River valley stretching from the dam to the estuary. Pre-construction activities commenced in 2018, and the construction progress was reported at 21% as of March 1, 2025. The project includes several components, with the alignment of the N7 National Route completed in 2017.
The dam wall, which was last raised between 1962 and 1966, saw an increase in the overspill crest by 3 meters and the crest gates raised by 3.05 meters each. The completed project aims to improve dam safety standards under high flood conditions and enhance the assurance of water supply to existing irrigators. Additionally, the renovation is expected to increase the dam’s annual yield by approximately 70 million cubic meters per year, benefiting emerging and small-scale farmers in the region.