Squatters stall Hazelmere Dam optimisation
According to the latest available dam data provided by state-owned entity and bulk water supplier, uMngeni-uThukela Water, Hazelmere's capacity on Tuesday stood at 59.5%.
The filling of Hazelmere Dam has been halted by the relocation of squatters within the dam’s new high watermark.
The raising of the dam wall was set in motion after KZN was declared a disaster area during the prolonged drought in 2015.
Having cost more than R800-million to be raised by seven metres, the dam wall was completed earlier this year to benefit from the November to January rainy season.
Speaking to the Courier, Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association (Docrra) committee member, Stephan Marais, said about 50 homes had been erected illegally upriver from the dam during 2022.
This prevents the dam from being filled to its full capacity. He did not know what was stalling the relocation of the people.
The dam wall project began in 2015 with an initial expected cost of R110-million, but delays and setbacks caused continuous disruptions.
These were eventually resolved, with construction resuming last year.
According to the latest available dam data provided by state-owned entity and bulk water supplier, uMngeni-uThukela Water, Hazelmere’s capacity on Tuesday stood at 59.5%.
Located on the Mdloti River, the dam supplies KwaDukuza (Stanger), Groutville, Blythedale, Ballito and Verulam.
The Department of Water and Sanitation had not responded at the time of going to print.
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