There is no record of R2.5 million for the Sundowner Dam

Joburg Roads Agency has confirmed it is not aware of an apparent R2.5 million that was said to be budgeted for the restoration of the old Sundowner Dam.

Three months after the matter was first brought before them, the agency has, however, said they have obtained the environmental authorisation and water use licence from the Department of Water Affairs. “Once the budget for rehabilitation of the dam has been secured, the project will commence,” agency spokesperson Kelebogile Mafa said.

What was once called Sundowner Dam – found in Sundowner Spruit Park – is overgrown with plants and trees now, and only has a trickle of water running through it.

Recent articles in the Randburg Sun highlighted residents’ frustrations with seeing the fish die and birds move away. Residents also complained of having to take it upon themselves to maintain the park.

This includes cutting bushes for fear of criminals hiding among them and laying wooden and concrete slabs down to cross the muddy spruit.

JRA cannot yet confirm the R2.5 million budgeted for Sundowner Dam

Ward 134 councillor Devon Steenkamp said he was told by management at JRA they were going to budget R2.5 million for a project on the dam for this financial year. However, Mafa has since said there is no record of this.

“Sundowner Dam is a Joburg City Parks and Zoo recreational dam and as such it is not registered as a dam per the risk classification of the Department of Water Affairs,” she said. “Further developments on the project implementation will be communicated once all the necessary processes have been concluded.”

City Parks spokesperson, Jenny Moodley said a ‘cut and clear’ of the dam had been scheduled for May, but the responsibility of the city’s dams falls under Joburg Roads Agency.

Steenkamp said he will keep following up on this matter for the budget in his written questions to council.

Related Article:

Sundowner Dam is an eyesore and a shame compared to what it was – residents