TZANEEN – Residents in and around Tzaneen have been notified that overnight construction work will begin this month as part of the Department of Water and Sanitation’s (DWS) ambitious plan to raise the Tzaneen Dam wall.

According to a notice issued by the department, the project started operating on 24-hour shifts from Monday, September 8, continuing until further notice.

The extended work schedule is aimed at ensuring the timely completion of the project, which has been subject to several delays in recent years.

Communities in Tzangeni Estate, Letaba River Estate, Riverside Estate, Matumi Extension, and the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) residential area have been warned to expect increased noise and activity during the night. The department has apologised for the inconvenience and assured residents that reasonable measures are being taken to minimise disruptions.

Wisane Mavasa, spokesperson for the DWS, said the department is finalising key stages such as the river diversion to allow construction to progress. “The raising of the dam wall is a crucial intervention to improve water security in the region, and while we understand that overnight work may cause temporary disruptions, all reasonable measures are being taken to minimise inconvenience for nearby residents.”

The project involves raising the wall by 3 metres, which will increase the dam’s storage capacity from approximately 157 million cubic metres to 193 million cubic metres. This expansion is expected to meet the growing water demands of both the Greater Tzaneen Municipality and surrounding areas, supporting domestic use, agriculture, and industry.

Mavasa previously told Herald that the department had already begun preparatory work, including river diversion, road realignment, and the establishment of a Project Steering Committee made up of community representatives. “Their role is to ensure that the communities are continuously informed on the progress,” she explained. The committee also provides a platform for residents to raise concerns and monitor developments.

The project, which forms part of South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP 2030), has faced several setbacks, with completion timelines pushed back. Initially projected to conclude earlier, it is now expected to finish around March 2026, according to recent DWS updates.

Despite these challenges, the department has emphasised that the long-term benefits far outweigh the temporary disruptions. Once complete, the raised dam will play a critical role in addressing Limpopo’s water security challenges, particularly as the province faces recurring droughts and rising demand.

Residents with queries or concerns have been encouraged to contact Maria Moloto (015 307 3788) or Khanyisa Gaveni (011 313 3111) at the Department of Water and Sanitation.