Joburg’s Emmarentia Dam gets R25m makeover
Emmarentia Dam in Johannesburg is undergoing a R25-million rehabilitation project.
The eight-month project is being carried out by the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA). According to acting managing director of JRA, Mpho Kau, the 103-year-old dam’s ageing infrastructure, along with erosion and several damaging floods, have necessitated the City of Johannesburg’s investment in proactive maintenance of the dam, Rosebank Killarney Gazette reported.
“While Emmarentia Dam had significant improvements undertaken in 1988, a comprehensive investigation recently undertaken by JRA confirmed that preventative maintenance and flood-retention protection is required to safeguard the dam’s integrity,” Kau said.
He added the stability of the dam’s wall was at risk and that urgent repairs were required to ensure the safety of residential properties downstream.
“We request the community’s cooperation while work is under way, as all rehabilitation will be undertaken without draining the dam.”
Some of the improvements will include refining the flood prevention facility system to protect properties located downstream, strengthening the dam’s stone protection layer, as well as the removal of trees on the banks.
The project is scheduled to be completed in January next year.
– Caxton News Service
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