New proposed dam in Low’s Creek still in planning stages
The Department of Water and Sanitation is considering different dam types to see which would be most feasible.
The proposed dam on the Kaap River is still a work in progress, Kobus Bester of the Department of Water and Sanitation confirmed this week.
“We are currently waiting for our permits and for the feasibility study to start planning the construction of the dam,” Bester said.
They are trying to do as much as they can in the meantime by analysing the pros and cons of two different dam types (which cannot yet be disclosed), and hiring interim contractors to drill holes in the ground to see if the rock foundations have any cracks or fissures in them.
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By drilling holes, the contractors can conduct assessments to understand the geology of the dam site, including rock types, soil conditions and potential weaknesses.
The department is weighing up its options to see which dam type would be best financially and have the lowest impact on the environment.
Bester further predicted that by next year they should have all the necessary permits to put the construction plan in motion. He also projected that the entire operation will be completed by 2032.
“It’s not a job that can be done overnight. There is always a possibility of finishing the dam earlier, since this specific one doesn’t require a lot of pipelines, but depending on the dam type we choose, we’ll see how long the construction will take,” Bester said.
The dam’s will relieve the regional water shortage throttling the Crocodile (East) River Catchment, since the available water is already over-allocated.
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A landowners’ meeting was held in November 2024, during which farmers discussed their livelihood concerns.
The meeting assured farmers that the plan is beneficial in the long term and that farmers need to consider the alternatives of not having water or paying more for water in the coming years.
“The new dam will not only supply more water to domestic users and farmers, but help to release water back into Mozambique,” Bester said.
