The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has initiated crucial measures by opening the sluice gates of Clanwilliam Dam, aiming to reduce dam levels from 95% to a more manageable 75%. This strategic decision comes as part of a broader plan to facilitate the ongoing construction of an essential coffer wall, which supports the impending erection of a 56-metre-high Intake Tower located upstream of the dam wall.

Marcia Maraka, Chief Director for Construction at DWS, emphasised the significance of this operation.

“The Intake Tower is a critical component of the project and lies on its critical path. Its construction involves 18 months of excavation work, followed by 20 months of tower construction, totalling 38 months. Given this extensive timeline, it is crucial to ensure that work continues uninterrupted and with minimal dependence on seasonal heavy rainfall,” she asserted.

“This work is vital for the successful and timely completion of the overall project.”

This deliberate lowering of the dam levels is not just an operational measure but a preventative intervention designed to avert construction delays that could cascade down to affect water availability for users. Currently, while water users are entitled to an annual abstraction allocation of 12,200 cubic metres per hectare, they are receiving only 6,000 m³/ha/year due to the dam’s capacity limitations. Hence, the timely completion of this project is essential to restore user allocations effectively.

To maintain project momentum,  Maraka outlined the necessity for the coffer dam wall to be raised by an additional 2.7 metres—from its current height of 102.7 to 105.4 metres—within a tight one-month timeframe. This operation also requires the dewatering of the work area to ensure that concrete can be placed safely and effectively in dry conditions.

As part of this operation, four sluice gates have been opened, releasing a combined volume of 100 cubic metres per second. The lowering of Clanwilliam Dam’s level is expected to be completed within five days, barring any unforeseen heavy rain that may require temporary closure of the sluice gates. The DWS has assured all downstream communities and stakeholders that water supply will be managed carefully during this critical phase.

In a further commitment to safety and transparency, DWS has asserted that every precaution will be taken to execute the lowering process with minimal disruption to users. As the project continues to unfold, the department aims to keep all stakeholders informed about progress, ensuring a more sustainable water management future for all.

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