Olifantskop Dam near Ladysmith to be dredged to increase capacity

The morning of Monday, June 19, uThukela District Municipality took to the communities of Waaihoek and Ekuvukeni to address these communities about water-related issues pertaining to Olifantskop Dam.

The first meeting commenced at Rockville Community Hall in Nazareth, where the main issue was about the muddy dam overflowing, which limits access to the water.

Cllr Thuli Shabalala admitted that the municipality is aware of the issue, but due to the capacity of the work and proper protocol, such as financial viability that needs to be taken into consideration, members of the community need to be patient.

Cllr Shabalala told the audience that the process of removing the silt will take place in phases.

The project will work as follows: the dredging and clearing up of the silt in the dam, repair the plant, removal of asbestos pipes and the installation of new pipes to handle the capacity of the community.

A contractor to undertake the whole project was then introduced to the community. The Mayibuye Construction company has been awarded a tender to carry out the project.

Mr Lungile Mbuyisane informed the community that the project would take approximately four months to complete, which is due to commence in 21 days’ time.

The community was concerned about water tankers that distribute water in the area as a temporary relief measure. They said they want to be supplied with large-capacity water tankers, as the community is very vast and scattered. Their concern was acknowledged by the leadership.

The second meeting was held with the community of Ekuvukeni, whereby uThukela District Deputy Mayor Nombali Sibiya addressed the community.

The deputy mayor stated that the Olifantskop Dam was initially intended for just a small number of people, but due to the ever increasing numbers of the community, the dam could not handle the capacity and resulted in the current problem.

“Funding has already been made available to the value of R131 million and of that amount, about R30 million will be for the actual project,” said Cllr Sibiya.

For compliance purposes, a safety officer will be available on site from the beginning of the project. The project will bring about potential temporary employment opportunities for the local community. Other details will be discussed and communicated back to the community once the plan is in action.

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