Cederberg Municipality Battles to Keep up With Sprawling Informal Settlements
Almost one in five residents of Clanwilliam and Citrusdal live in informal settlements with limited access to water, sanitation, and refuse removal
Clanwilliam
Volunteers Raise Alarm Over Animal Abuse in Clanwilliam
The Clanwilliam Animal Welfare Society say they are “overburdened” and are without support from the Cederberg municipality
Majodina commends progress in Clanwilliam Dam wall project
Majodina commends progress in Clanwilliam Dam wall project
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina the department will ensure the acceleration of the R5.7 billion project to raise Clanwilliam Dam wall situated in Olifants River, Western Cape.
Majodina made the remarks during an oversight visit at the dam on Saturday.
The mega project in Cederberg Municiaplity, is one of the department’s priority projects, and is expected to be completed in 2028.
“Let us ensure that we accelerate the project so that it can be finalised on time. The project will not only determine the safety of the dam but will also bring economic spin-offs to the area of Clanwilliam and its surroundings.
“I am satisfied with the progress of the project and the multiple work that is running concurrently. This will speed up the completion of the project,” Majodina said.
According to the department, the project is “part of the Olifants-Doorn River Water Resources Project (ODRWP) currently under way”.
“The concrete placement of the dam’s Apron started in March and was completed in June last year. This is a construction of a concrete structure below the dam to protect it against water washes in the dam or to form a basin to control flows. The apron also prevents sediments, organic matter, and pollutants to potentially reduce storage capacity and impacting on the water quality,
“The completed project will supply raw water from the Clanwilliam Dam to the farmers, municipalities, mines and industries in the Olifants River valley between the dam and the estuary (river mouth). The pre-construction activities at the dam commenced in 2018 and the construction progress is currently at 21% as of 01 March 2025,” the department said.
The project has been broken down into several components with the main component “the alignment of the N7 National Route completed in 2017”.
“The dam wall was last raised between 1962 and 1966, with the overspill crest that was increased by 3 metres in length and 13 crest gates raised by 3.05 metres, each at 7.77 metres wide.
“The completed project will not only improve the dam safety standards under high flood conditions but will also improve assurance of water supply to the existing irrigators. The newly renovated dam will also increase its annual yield by approximately 70 million cubic metres per year, thereby benefitting and developing the emerging and small-scale farmers in the area,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 03/16/2025 - 15:04
23 views
Clanwilliam Dam Project Limps Along Ten Years Behind Schedule
Originally it was supposed to be completed in 2018. The cost has also more than doubled.
Majodina reassures residents of sufficient water storage amid tunnel closure
Majodina reassures residents of sufficient water storage amid tunnel closure
Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Majodina has reassured residents in the municipalities affected by the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) tunnel maintenance of continued access to water.
The maintenance of the LHWP tunnel entails a total shutdown that began on 01 October 2024. The maintenance project includes general inspection and repair works, in order to ensure the integrity and reliability of the entire water tunnel system.
READ | Lesotho Highlands Water Project Tunnel undergoes maintenance
The operation is jointly undertaken by the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) which focuses on Delivery Tunnel North within South Africa, and the Lesotho Highlands Development Agency (LHDA) which undertakes maintenance on the transfer tunnels at the Muela Hydro power station in Lesotho.
Reflecting on the Ministry’s performance in its first 100 days at a media briefing held in Pretoria on Tuesday, Majodina said the project will ensure that the tunnel continues to operate effectively in the long-term, supplying water to parts of the Free State and Gauteng.
Majodina said engagements with the two provincial governments and affected municipalities of Nketoane, Mfube and Dihlabeng was done in this regard.
“Specific work has already taken place, which include the upgrading of water treatment works, upgrading of raw water pumps, construction of new water reservoirs and the drilling and equipping of boreholes.
“The department has established the War Room to oversee the implementation of the shutdown and communication as a tool to raise awareness and to educate the public about water security issues.”
Majodina, together with Deputy Ministers, David Mahlobo and Sello Seitlholo, will inspect the Lesotho Highlands Water Project tunnel in Clarens, Free State on 15 November 2024.
Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority projects
Majodina said during the 100 days in office, the department and its entity, the TCTA, continued with the implementation of 14 major national water infrastructure projects aimed at raw water security.
The approximately R100 billion projects include the R42 billion second phase of the Lesotho Highlands Water project to supply additional water to Gauteng, the R28 billion construction of a new dam and transfer tunnel on the uMkhomazi River in KwaZulu Natal to supply additional water to eThekwini and surrounding municipalities.
The projects include a R6.5 billion raising of the wall of the Clanwilliam Dam in the Western Cape, and the R750 million raising of the wall of the Tzaneen Dam in Limpopo.
Water sector reforms aligned to Operation Vulindlela
Majodina also reported that the department is currently undertaking water sector reforms, which are aligned to the Operation Vulindlela Programme, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Operation Vulindlela aims to modernise and transform network industries.
With regard to the water sector, the programme’s focus includes the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency (NWRIA) Act signed into law by President Ramaphosa.
The act provides for the establishment of the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency (NWRIA) through the amalgamation of the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority, the Water Trading Entity and the infrastructure branch of the department.
“The functions of the NWRIA will include the financing, development, operations and maintenance of the national water resource infrastructure and the treaty and non-treaty functions performed by the TCTA. Processes are now underway to manage the establishment of the agency,” Majodina said.
The programme also focuses on the establishment of the remaining Catchment Management Agencies as required by the National Water Act, to enable improved catchment management with local stakeholder involvement; improving turnaround times for the issuing of water use licenses and reform of municipal water and sanitation services. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 11/05/2024 - 13:09
105 views
Donkey Carts Stand Idle as Tourism Dies in Cederberg Village
Heuningvlei was devastated by flooding for two consecutive years but the residents are determined to keep their town alive
Wupperthal: The Town Where You Can Sleep Outside on Your Stoep
But jobs are scarce in this small Cederberg mission town
No Need to evacuate Riverlands residents
No Need to evacuate Riverlands residents
The Department of Water and Sanitation has assured residents of Riverlands in the Swartlands Local Municipality that the situation has normalised requiring no need for evacuation.
The department said water started flowing quicker than expected on Saturday through the spillway created to minimize the risk of failure of the fourth dam that was on the verge of failure.
This follows the failure of three farm dams, located in Riverlands, that breached, resulting in flooding that caused severe property and infrastructure damage to the affected area, leading to hundreds of people being provided with humanitarian assistance.
“The department mobilised its personnel located in the Clanwilliam Dam project to open up the spillway on the fourth dam further and allow the water level in the dam to drop by at least 1 m per day."
On Tuesday morning water started flowing quicker than expected.
"As a result there was understandably concern from community members. The department would like to assure community members that the fourth dam is almost empty and water levels in the river should begin to subside. Should there be any further heavy rainfall, the dam would not store water to threaten the stability of the partially failed wall,” the department said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 08/21/2024 - 10:07
126 views
Emergency work on the fourth Riverlands dam
Emergency work on the fourth Riverlands dam
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) says the fourth dam - upstream of Riverlands in the Swartlands Local Municipality - has been cleared through a side channel spillway created to prevent a more catastrophic collapse of the dam wall.
The department said during an inspection on 12 August 2024, it was established that there is a progressing piping failure (on the downstream slope) at the highest section of the dam wall.
“The integrity of the dam was compromised and hence the possibility of failure was detected.
"Subsequently, the decision was taken to empty the dam to protect the lives of the community members living downstream.
“The emptying of the dam through the spillway was planned to drain the dam during daytime (from 10am to 4pm), to ensure that the increased outflow from the dam would occur during day light, to enabled it to be managed more easily,” the department said in a statement.
The department said, should Dam 4 failed late in the evening or early morning hours while the public downstream was asleep, the consequences could have been far worse.
The department noted that the fourth dam emptied faster than anticipated, however, the public was precautionarily evacuated, hence no injuries and loss of life were reported.
“The members of the public, who were evacuated, have returned to their homes and the dam wall of Dam 4 has not failed. Very little additional damage was caused by the release of water from Dam 4.
“The damage to infrastructure was caused by the floods of the dam breaks of the previous three dams during the early hours of last week,” the department said.
The department reiterated its commitment to safeguard the lives of the public during emergency conditions, although this sometimes results in difficult decisions having to be taken, including the precautionary evacuation of people if deemed necessary,” the department said.
Investigation into dams failure extended
Meanwhile, Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Majodina, has granted the departmental engineers an extra week to conduct diligent and adequate investigation into the reason behind the failure of three farm dams located in Riverlands.
This follows the failure of three farm dams located in Riverlands that breached, resulting in flooding that caused severe property and infrastructure damage to the affected area, leading to hundreds of people being provided with humanitarian assistance.
Majodina visited the area on 11 August 2024 to get a first-hand information of the disastrous occurrence and was briefed by the team of engineers dispatched by the department to normalise the situation in the area.
The Minister then instituted an investigation on the breach of the three dams and whether the owners of the dams have proper authorisation from the department.
A report was expected in seven days from the day of Majodina’s visit.
Whilst the team on the ground has been working around the clock to expedite the compilation of the report requested by the Minister, the department emphasised that it has to balance the investigation work with its intervention )to mitigate the risk of the failure of the fourth dam, which was at a risk of severe damage as well.
“The department mobilised the construction team currently working at Clanwilliam Dam project for additional capacity to lower the risk of failure of the fourth dam. Furthermore, the department assessed the likelihood of failure of other dams in the area due to persistent rains and a saturated catchment which could have led to other dams reaching their maximum storage capacity,” the department said.
The Department of Water and Sanitation is committed in conducting its regulatory function diligently and depending on the outcomes of the investigation, those responsible for the failure of the three dams will be held accountable. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 08/19/2024 - 12:17
178 views
Department works to secure water for all
Department works to secure water for all
The Ministry and Department of Water and Sanitation, under the new administration, has committed to continue to ensure the implementation of all water projects without delay, and improved water and sanitation services.
Giving an update on the progress made in the water projects, which were previously delayed, Water and Sanitation spokesperson, Wisani Mavasa said in order to ensure water security, government is focusing on investing in additional national water resource infrastructure. This includes building awareness of the need to use water sparingly, and improving municipal water and sanitation services.
Mavasa acknowledged that in the past, water projects have been subjected to unacceptable delays.
However, good progress has since been made in recent years in unblocking and accelerating the delayed projects.
She highlighted that there are currently 14 major national water resource infrastructure projects valued at more than R100 billion, which are in different stages of implementation around the country.
Among the projects which have been unblocked, include the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase Two, uMkhomazi Water Project and the raising of the wall of the Hazelmere Dam in KwaZulu Natal, construction of Ntabelanga Dam on the uMzimvubu River in the Eastern Cape.
This also includes the raising of the Clanwilliam Dam wall in Western Cape, the Giyani Water Supply Project in Limpopo, and the Loskop Regional Bulk Water Supply Project in Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
“In addition to unblocking and accelerating these projects, Parliament recently passed the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency Bill, which will result in the establishment of an agency with a balance sheet which will enable substantially more funds to be raised for investment in national water resource infrastructure,” Mavasa said.
Water supply disruptions
Mavasa noted an increase in water supply disruptions in Gauteng and in eThekwini, which has resulted in hardship for residents.
According to the department, the demand for water in both areas is largely due to population growth.
The growth in demand was anticipated by planners, and new national water resource infrastructure projects were planned to meet it, unfortunately, the start of the projects was delayed.
“The new Polihali Dam and associated infrastructure, which is part of Phase Two of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, was due to be completed in 2019 to enable additional water to be supplied to the Integrated Vaal River System, which in turn is the main source of water for Gauteng.
“This project was unblocked, and the main contracts were all awarded in October 2022 and construction is now fully underway and is due to be completed by 2028.
“Similarly, the start of the uMkhomazi project to supply additional water to eThekwini and surrounding municipalities was delayed by nine years, due to concerns about its affordability in terms of the tariffs that would have to be charged to the residents of eThekwini. The affordability problem was resolved in 2023 with the approval by National Treasury of an application by DWS, with the support of the Presidential Infrastructure Fund, for a blended finance solution for the funding of the project which made the tariff more affordable,” she explained.
Among the solutions reached included a 25% interest-free loan and a 25% grant from the national fiscus, and this enabled the eThekwini Municipal Council to approve the water supply agreement on 31 January 2024.
The department has now started to raise the finance for the project and to commence with implementation. Work on the design of the dam and tunnel for the uMkhomazi project has started.
The department also noted the delays in a project to raise the Hazelmere Dam wall to further increase water supply to eThekwini Municipality and surrounding areas in KwaZulu-Natal, which started in 2011. This was due to contractual disputes between the department and the main contractor.
“The contract with the main contractor was terminated in 2018, resulting in a halt to the project. This was resolved in 2021, and the project was completed in 2023.”
Ntabelanga and Clanwilliam Dam upgrades
The department further noted that the construction of Ntabelanga Dam on a tributary of the uMzimvubu River in the Eastern Cape, which was planned to provide additional water for domestic and irrigation use was delayed because the department was unable to successfully motivate for a budget to be allocated to the project.
“The department resolved this blockage in 2023, by reconfiguring the project to reduce its cost while still providing the same benefits. The reconfiguration involved adopting a brown fields approach to water services infrastructure rather than the previous green fields (upgrading existing bulk water supply infrastructure rather than build new infrastructure).
“The reconfiguration of the project resulted in a decrease in the cost of the project from R18 billion to R8 billion, and National Treasury then agreed to fund the reconfigured project from the fiscus. As a result, site preparations and the process to obtain the license to construct the dam are currently underway and construction of the dam wall will commence by October 2024.”
A project to raise the wall of the Clanwilliam Dam in the Western Cape, resulting in a tripling of the volume of water than can be stored in the dam, was also started in 2013, but the implementation of the project was delayed due to budget constraints and several changes in construction approach.
As a result, by 2023 the project was only 10% complete. The delays have since been addressed, and the project is now fully funded and major construction work is currently underway.
Loskop Regional Bulk Water Supply project
The major Loskop Regional Bulk Water Supply project to increase water supply to Thembisile Hani Local Municipality in Mpumalanga and the Moutse-East area under the Sekhukhune District Municipality in Limpopo, has since been unblocked with construction having begun in 2022.
The project was originally planned to commence in 2019 but was delayed because of funding constraints and poor planning by the department.
The construction of a new bulk pipeline from Loskop Dam in Mpumalanga to Thembisile Hani Local Municipality and associated infrastructure is also underway.
Giyani Water Supply project
The Giyani Water Supply Project, which has been delayed for many years, and been the subject of investigations by the Special Investigations Unit, has since been unblocked and accelerated over the last two years.
Mavasa highlighted that the main bulk pipeline from Nandoni Dam to Nsami Dam near Giyani was completed last year, and projects are currently underway to refurbish and increase the capacity of the Giyani Water Treatment Works and to install bulk reticulation lines, bulk reservoirs, service reservoirs and reticulation to households.
“Water has started to flow to households in nine of villages in Giyani and we will strive to ensure a further 15 villages receive water by the end of August this year, and that a further 31 villages receive water within the next two years.”
Water Services Amendment Bill
In addition to assisting municipalities to improve their water and sanitation infrastructure, the department has proposed amendments to the Water Services Act, to address the poor municipal performance illustrated by the results of the Blue, Green and no Drop reports which were issued in December 2023.
“The Water Services Amendment Bill will be submitted to Cabinet shortly for approval for it to be tabled in Parliament.”
Improvement in issuing of water use licence
Meanwhile, the department’s turnaround plan for the issuing of water use licences has seen an improvement in performance from 35% of applications being processed within 90 days to 70% being processed within 90 days.
“In addition, the backlog of more than a thousand applications has been largely eradicated, with no more than 100 applications which have taken longer than 90 days to process,” Mavasa said.
The department has committed that further improvement towards the President’s 2020 State of the Nation Address (SONA) target of processing all applications within 90 days, will be achieved during this financial year. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 07/24/2024 - 10:53
433 views
Cape Town schools closed, 15 000 people affected by severe weather
Cape Town schools closed, 15 000 people affected by severe weather
The Western Cape Government (WCG) continues to provide shelter, food, and blankets to the homeless as the province faces heavy downpours, resulting in the closure of many schools.
The province announced that schools in the Cape Town metro districts, Cape Winelands and Overberg districts as well as parts of the West Coast district have closed today.
“In the interests of learner and teacher safety, and after extensive consultation with the Provincial Disaster Risk Management Centre and the South African Weather Service (SAWS), a decision has been taken to close schools in certain districts in the Western Cape [on Thursday],” Western Cape MEC for Education, David Maynier, said on Wednesday.
According to the MEC, all other schools in the remaining districts will be open unless approval has been granted for closure.
“Our default position is always to keep schools open but are mindful of the severity of the warnings in place and the damage already caused in certain areas.
“So far, 20 schools have been granted permission for closure across the province, the majority of which are in the Cape Winelands district,” the MEC explained.
Over the past few days, 137 schools have reported some form of damage to infrastructure, either because of flooding or heavy winds. Most of the cases are minor, while 49 cases require urgent attention.
Level 8 warning
Meanwhile, a Level 8 warning has been issued by the SAWS for disruptive rain.
This warning remains in place for heavy rain, flooding, and mudslides, particularly in the Cape Town metro, Drakenstein and Stellenbosch regions.
The province is also expecting strong winds to persist over the interior regions and along the coastal areas of Saldanha Bay and Cape Agulhas over the next few days.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, the PDMC and other stakeholders are monitoring the series of cold fronts very closely.
“Virtually all WCG departments are working together to mitigate the possible impact of this weather system.
“All stakeholders will remain vigilant, and I urge members of the public to also do so. Disaster management teams are working tirelessly to keep members of the public out of harm’s way. For this, we are very thankful.”
The WCG said they have been working closely with all affected municipalities, national departments, as well as non-government organisations (NGOs), who have been working tirelessly to safeguard lives and assist residents in need during the current floods.
Chief Director of Disaster Management, Colin Deiner, explained that over the next several days the centre will continue to monitor the situation closely.
He stressed that a critical aspect of the overall response is to ensure all disaster officials and organisations are adequately resourced to keep up the good work they have been doing.
Humanitarian support
Meanwhile, about 4 000 structures have sustained damage across Cape Town, impacting 15 000 people.
“With the help of NGOs, 11 000 hot meals are being provided each day across Cape Town metro to people affected by the weather.”
The Western Cape Department of Social Development is coordinating humanitarian relief efforts for affected communities with partner NGOs like Gift of the Givers Foundation, The Warehouse Foundation, Ashraful Aid, Al-Imdaad Foundation, Islamic Relief SA, and the Community Chest of the Western Cape.
In addition, many rivers are reaching full saturation levels and run-off could increase exponentially. This is being closely monitored by the Department of Water and Sanitation.
Dams
Many of the province’s dams are also rising rapidly, with Clanwilliam Dam currently sitting at 90.89%, Berg River Dam increased to 104.06%, the Theewaterskloof Dam at 76%, while Misverstand Dam has risen to 161%.
“A controlled release of water from Wemmershoek Dam into the Berg River was carried out as a precautionary measure. This controlled release is necessary to reduce the risk of flooding downstream.”
Electricity
According to the provincial government, electricity faults are being reduced. However, 11 000 people are still without Eskom power in numerous areas, including Citrusdal, De Doorns and Touwsrivier.
In Delft, around 1 500 Eskom customers are without electricity.
“The power utility is working hard to restore power.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 11:25
335 views
FAW Trucks South Africa Supports Community Outreach At 15Th Annual Trucker’s Function
Vredendal, South Africa – 28 February 2024: FAW Trucks South Africa, in partnership with FAW Paarl – MyRide Commercial, proudly participated in the 15th Annual Truckers Function held in Vredendal on 22 February 2024. The event, which has been a staple in the transport industry for the past 15 years, aimed to raise funds for …
Diversifying water resource mix essential for supply security, says Mahlobo
Diversifying water resource mix essential for supply security, says Mahlobo
Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo has emphasised the importance of diversifying South Africa's water resource mix for water security.
The Deputy Minister was addressing the Inaugural Built Environment Indaba hosted by the Black Business Council in the Built Environment recently, which was held recently in Gauteng.
The Indaba was aimed at promoting collaboration, procurement and skills development in the industry.
Mahlobo confirmed that in terms of water security, the supply of raw water is currently in balance with the existing demand at national level.
Additionally, government has recognised the localised deficit, acknowledging that 98% of the available water is already allocated. Mahlobo said to ensure water security in the future, it is crucial to broaden the water resource mix through sustainable use of groundwater, desalination of seawater (even though technology remains expensive), water reuse from treated wastewater systems, and water reclamation.
While supply-side measures are essential, Mahlobo emphasised the need for water conservation and demand management.
The Deputy Minister warned that water availability in South Africa could decline rapidly due to factors such as economic growth, population growth, urbanisation, inefficient water use, degradation of wetlands, and the impact of climate change.
He also highlighted the financial challenges faced by municipalities, noting that they owe R19 billion to water boards.
According to the Deputy Minister, one of the main issues plaguing the water sector is the poor performance and adherence to standard operating procedures for drinking water treatment and wastewater treatment.
Infrastructure is often left in poor condition due to a lack of maintenance, with municipalities failing to hire qualified personnel to oversee these essential processes.
Additionally, weak billing and revenue collection, as well as inadequate budget prioritisation for maintenance and operations by municipal councils, further exacerbate the challenges faced by the sector.
In terms of support to municipalities, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and water boards are supporting many municipalities to implement improved plans that are agreed to by the Ministry and municipal leadership.
DWS, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Municipal Infrastructure Support Agency (MISA), Department of Human Settlements, and National Treasury allocate water and sanitation infrastructure grants worth more than R20 billion to municipalities per annum, and provide technical and engineering support and assistance, capacity building and training and financial management advice and support.
Water projects
Mahlobo highlighted several key water sector projects that are currently in implementation.
These projects aim to address water shortages and improve access to water in various regions across the country.
The R40 billion phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP2) is one of the major projects that is currently in progress.
This project is aimed at delivering approximately 470 million m3 per annum in addition to the 780 million m3 per year which the IVRS currently receives from LHWP1 and will increase the availability of raw water for Gauteng and surrounding areas, which have been experiencing water shortages.
Another project is the R26 billion uMkhomazi Water Project in KwaZulu-Natal. This project was facing an affordability deadlock, but Mahlobo announced that it had been resolved, and the project is now moving forward.
The R4 billion phase 2A of the Mokolo Crocodile Water Augment Project (MCWAP) in the North West and Limpopo has also been completed, with funding being raised for phase 2.
In addition to these projects, Mahlobo also highlighted the R12 billion Olifants River Water Resource Development project in Limpopo, the R10 billion Vaal Gamagara project in the Northern Cape, the R8 Billion Mzimvubu Water Project in the Eastern Cape, the R1.2 billion Berg River Voelvlei Augmentation Scheme in the Western Cape and the R4 billion raising of the Clanwilliam Dam in the Western Cape.
All these projects are aimed at diversifying the water resource mix to ensure water security for South Africa.
Mahlobo assured that South Africa will not run dry by 2030, but there will be challenges if there is no change in the way of doing things. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 04/07/2024 - 14:16
129 views
Hazelmere Dam project successfully completed
Hazelmere Dam project successfully completed
The raising of the Hazelmere Dam project was successfully completed at a cost of R820 million, increasing the storage capacity of the dam, said Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.
It increased from 23.9 million m3 to 43.6 million m3, which is an increase of 83% for the KwaZulu-Natal dam.
“To enable this additional stored water to be treated and supplied to the City of eThekwini, the uMngeni-uThukela Water Board has completed a project to increase the capacity of the Hazelmere Water Treatment Works from 55 to 75 millilitres (ML) per day, at a cost of R135 million.
“It will further increase the capacity of the treatment works to 90 ML per day within the next three years at a cost of R25 million,” Ntshavheni said on Thursday.
She was addressing a media briefing on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting that was held on Wednesday.
During this meeting, Cabinet received a progress report on four strategic Mega Raw Water Resource Augmentation projects executed by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).
“The implementation of the Umzimvubu Water Project [in the Eastern Cape] was delayed for many years by [a] lack of funding. However, the access roads to the dam, which is 84% complete, is expected to be completed by June 2024. The construction of the dam, which is at 6%, is expected to be completed in 2028.
“The Raising of the Tzaneen Dam Project [in Limpopo], which is currently at 40%, is expected to be completed in March 2025, at a cost of R555 million,” the Minister said.
Ntshavheni said the Raising of the Clanwilliam Dam Wall Project in the Western Cape is aimed at meeting the need for additional water for agriculture development, which includes resource-poor farmers.
“The dam wall is being increased by 13 metres to increase its storage capacity from 122 million m3 to 343 m3, which is an increase of 181%. The project is currently at 34% construction and anticipated to be completed in April 2028 at an estimated cost of R3.92 billion,” she said.
Upgrading informal settlements
Cabinet also received a progress report on the implementation of the Informal Settlements Upgrading Partnership Grant Framework/ Policy that was introduced in the 2019/ 2020 financial year.
“The objective of the Grant is to provide the means for households to receive basic services such as water, electricity, roads, stormwater, refuse removal and sanitation services. The target was to upgrade 1500 informal settlements,” the Minister said.
The progress has been reported as follows:
- A total of 578 informal settlements went through Phase 1 activities, which entailed the business plan and pre-feasibility details of the upgrading of the informal settlements.
- A total of 1 497 informal settlements went through Phase 2 activities which focus on Security of Tenure and includes the acquisition of land and installation of interim services- basic water and sanitation services pending the formalisation of the settlement, and
- A total of 197 informal settlements were fully upgraded.
-SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 03/14/2024 - 13:03
389 views
Investment in infrastructure gains momentum
Investment in infrastructure gains momentum
President Cyril Ramaphosa says investment in infrastructure is gaining momentum, and new and innovative funding mechanisms will be used to increase the construction of infrastructure.
Delivering his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday evening, President Ramaphosa said to deal with severe inefficiencies in the freight logistics system, government is taking action to improve the country’s ports and rail network and restore them to world-class standards.
“We have set out a clear roadmap to stabilise the performance of Transnet and reform our logistics system. Working closely with business and labour, we have established dedicated teams to turn around five strategic corridors that transport goods for export purposes.
“The number of ships waiting to berth at the Port of Durban – which has experienced severe congestion in recent months – has reduced from more than 60 ships in mid-November to just 12 ships at the end of January,” Ramaphosa said.
The President also noted that Transnet has appointed an international terminal operator to help expand and improve its largest terminal at the Port of Durban, and government is overhauling the freight rail system by allowing private rail operators to access the rail network.
“With the current conflict in the Middle East affecting shipping traffic through the Suez Canal, South Africa is well positioned to offer bunkering services for ships that will be rerouted via our shores.
Broadband and investment
“We completed the auction of broadband spectrum after more than a decade of delays, resulting in new investment, lower data costs and improved network reach and quality. These reforms have a profound impact in a society in which access to the internet has risen dramatically over the last decade,” the President told a joint sitting of the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces.
He also noted that less than half of all households had internet access in 2011, compared to 79% of households in 2022.
“Just this week, we published new regulations to reform our visa system, which will make it easier to attract the skills that our economy needs and create a dynamic ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship.
“We raised R1.5 trillion in new investment commitments through five South Africa Investment Conferences, of which over R500 billion has already flowed into the economy.”
Bulk water projects
The President further announced that several bulk water projects are under construction across the country to improve water supply to millions of residents in villages, towns, and cities.
“The Department of Water and Sanitation aims to enhance water resource management by initiating infrastructure projects to secure water supply and diversifying water sources to reduce dependence on surface water.”
The President highlighted some of the water infrastructure projects, which are in progress or completed, and these include the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, Umzimvubu, Hazelmere Dam, uMkhomazi Water Project, Clanwilliam Dam, Tzaneen Dam, Loskop, Mandlakazi, pipeline from Jozini Dam, Giyani and the pipeline from Nandoni Dam.
Included among these are also Pilanesberg Water, Vaal Gamagara and the pipeline from the Vaal River to Hothazel.
“In the Eastern Cape, the Msikaba and Mtentu bridges are beginning to rise over the landscape and will be among the highest in Africa once complete. The steel used for part of the project is fabricated in Mpumalanga, and the iron ore comes from the Northern Cape,” he said.
He also noted that in the past five years, the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), which manages nearly 25 000 km of roads, has awarded more than 1 200 projects to the value of R120 billion.
“In November last year, Cabinet approved a framework for high-speed rail, focusing initially on the Johannesburg to Durban corridor,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 02/08/2024 - 21:06
376 views
Clanwilliam Dam project revival brings wish to West Coast
Clanwilliam Dam project revival brings hope to West Coast
The resuscitation of Clanwilliam Dam engineering work has sparked optimism among the West Coast corridor communities.
This comes after Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu conducted an oversight visit to the construction work underway at the dam site on Thursday.
The R4 billion project, situated on the Olifants River near the town of Clanwilliam in Cederberg Local Municipality, is one of the biggest government infrastructure investments in the Western Cape.
The project involves raising the dam wall by 13 metres. A total of R400 million has been allocated for the current financial year to implement the project.
The project includes extension of the dam wall on the downstream side, and raising it to a higher level by 13 metres.
The additional yield of water will provide an opportunity to develop resource poor farmers to promote food security and decent employment through inclusive economic growth.
During the visit, Mchunu said, unlocking the bottlenecks that caused the collapse of the project and seeing it to its completion is the biggest priority for the Department of Water and Sanitation.
Mchunu said the yield from the extended infrastructure will bring a lifeline to many livelihoods in this region.
“What we see happening here at the dam construction site is encouraging and there is no stopping until we finish. 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,” Mchunu said.
Addressing stakeholders and residents that converged at the town’s local church hall, Mchunu said government is committing many resources to building projects across the country, and that through projects like Clanwilliam, the department strives for quality water to flow to South African households.
“We have built a solid, tight management team for the Clanwilliam Dam project, and we will support them to see it through to the end. The revival of the project is a hit for the Western Cape province.”
Mchunu said government is aware of the delays in the implementation of the Clanwillliam Dam project over the years, and assured that with the recent resuscitation of the project, the department remains committed to completing the work within the revised timeframes, budgets and specifications.
Among the direct benefits associated with the project, include more than 500 job opportunities for skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers, and the development of skills and learning opportunities; and new business opportunities for the locals.
Western Cape Infrastructure MEC Tertuis Simmers, who joined Mchunu during the visit, said the province welcomed the resuscitation of the dam project, noting there is a long history associated with the project.
“We welcome that work has commenced and interventions by stakeholders to unbundle the hindrances. This will now further accelerate the hydro-energy projects planned for the West Coast corridor and bolster the agricultural sector.
“As the spheres of government alongside the private sector, we remain committed to the successful delivery of this project,” Simmers said.
Francois Swaartbooi, a local businessperson, said the project has provided renewed hope for stakeholders of the West Coast, and they are happy it is being revived.
Swartbooi said they have established a business forum to ensure that local small medium enterprises benefit from the project.
The current work at the construction site includes excavations to prepare platforms for the drilling and blasting operations; blast proposal and design by the Drill and Blasting sub-contractor, and geologists to inspect the vertical faces of the excavation to determine the rock anchor details. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 15:03
89 views
W Cape records increase in dam levels after heavy rains
W Cape records increase in dam levels after heavy rains
The national Department of Water and Sanitation’s hydrological report of 26 September indicates significant improvement across the Western Cape dam system following the disruption of heavy rainfall in the past few days.
The Cape Town System Dams increased by more than 7% compared to last week, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) said on Friday.
The Western Cape Water Supply System (WCWSS) -- comprising six dams (Theewaterskloof, Bergriver dam, Upper and Lower Steebras, Voelvlei and Wemershoek dams) supplying water to the City of Cape Town and its surroundings -- is sitting at 109.38%, a significant improvement compared to 85% same time last year.
On individual dams, Theewaterskloof, the biggest dam in the Western Cape, which accounts for 54% of the province's water supply, is at 100% and spilling.
Other dam levels are standing as follows: Misverstand Dam 152.67%; Brandvlei Dam 80.91%; Ceres Dam 101.16%; Gamka Dam 102.49%; Clanwilliam Dam 101.38% and Miertjieskraal 111.71%.
The Olifants / Doorn River Catchment has reached the 100% mark, a very healthy water yield compared to 86.71% of last year.
“It is pleasing to see that Gouritz River Catchment is hovering above 80%, as the system was below 50% at the same time last year.
“Some dams have sluice gates, while others do not have sluice gates. When the dams are full or overflowing, water is automatically released through spillways to control the flow downstream,” the department said.
While DWS is pleased with the significant rainfall, it has acknowledged that the heavy rains and adverse weather conditions have led to significant damage of infrastructure and detrimentally affected lives and livelihoods, especially those in riverbanks and low-lying areas.
“DWS continues to urge citizens to be careful near water resources and facilities, including crossing low-lying bridges.
“The department is currently conducting assessments on the infrastructure and there are no immediate reports of extensive water infrastructure (gauging stations) being damaged or washed away.
“DWS, together with other stakeholders, is monitoring the situation.” – SAnews.gov.za
Matona
Sat, 09/30/2023 - 15:44
167 views
Small farmers in the Cederberg still reeling from flood damage
Provincial department wants the area to be declared a disaster zone