The R6-billion Clanwilliam Dam project, which is expected to be completed in 2029, was visited in early September by Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, who oversaw the progress of the construction of the dam wall.

The Clanwilliam dam is one of the department’s key catalytic projects which is aimed at significantly increasing water supply within the Cederberg municipality and involves raising the dam wall by 13 m to triple its water yield.

Majodina was briefed on construction progress during the visit, during which several project achievements and milestones were highlighted. These included the construction of the coffer wall – a temporary structure designed to hold back water and create a dry-work environment during the rainy seasons – which was completed in the middle of September this year.

Additionally, Majodina was informed that the emergency work on the lower spillway was 70% complete, and the overall project progress had increased to 26%, at that time.

The visit also highlighted timelines for other milestones, including the anticipated completion of the emergency works on the spillway in February 2026, the completion of intake tower excavations in June 2026, and the start of concrete works on the left bank during the course of the next year.

Once completed, the newly raised dam will produce numerous benefits, such as maintaining ecological requirements of the Olifants river, improving water supply to existing irrigators, and creating “much-needed” job opportunities for the local community.

Majodina noted her satisfaction with the progress of the engineering work, while her department conveyed its pleasure with the way the Clanwilliam dam has been replenished, adding its expectation that it will reach 95% capacity by October 1. This statement helped to assure users that their water supply will not be interrupted.

“This is my third quarterly visit to this project, and I am satisfied with the progress registered thus far. Once completed, water from this dam will boost the agricultural industry in this region,” Majodina commented during the visit.