The Department of Water and Sanitation said the construction of the R5.7 billion project, to raise
Clanwilliam Dam wall, in the Western Cape, is well underway to its completion target in 2028.
Situated in Olifants River in the Cederberg Municipality, Western Cape, the project is one of the mega ones prioritized by Government.
The raising of the Clanwilliam Dam wall, part of the Olifants-Doorn River Water Resources Project
(ODRWP), entails surface preparation by means of concrete demolition; drilling and blasting to prepare for the construction of the spillway and the intake tower of the dam.
The concrete placement of the dam’s Apron started in March and was completed in June last
year.
This is a construction of a concrete structure below the dam to protect it against water
washes in the dam or to form a basin to control flows. The apron also prevents sediments,
organic matter, and pollutants to potentially reduce storage capacity and impacting on the water
quality.
Once completed, the dam will supply raw water from the Clanwilliam Dam to farmers,
municipalities, mines and industries in the Olifants River valley between the dam and the
estuary (river mouth).
The pre-construction activities at the dam commenced in 2018 and the construction progress is currently at 21% as of 01 March 2025.
Speaking on site, on Sunday, the 16th March 2025, Pemmy Majodina, Minister of Water Affairs and Sanitation, said although the project has faced numerous challenges that led to its delay since its inception, the project will be completed on time.
“Let us ensure that we accelerate the project so that it can be finalized on time. The project will
not only determine the safety of the dam, but will also bring economic spin-offs to the area of
Clanwilliam and its surroundings. I am satisfied with the progress of the project and the multiple
work that is running concurrently. This will speed up the completion of the project” said Minister
Majodina.
The project comprises of several components. The main one was the alignment of the N7
National Route completed in 2017. Old Cape Road will also be raised and realigned, together
with the raising of Algeria Road crossing the Olifants River.
Infrastructure affected by the projects are nearby farms and houses along Renbaan road, as well as the hydropower plant.
Picture: Cedeberg Municipality