Site visit to inspect repair work at Clanwilliam Dam
Tomorrow (25 October 2017), Alan Winde, MEC of Economic Opportunities, will conduct a site visit to the canal system which flows from the Clanwilliam Dam. Pro-active maintenance efforts to reduce leakages on the aging infrastructure have increased the water supply.
Sections of the canals providing water to irrigators and the surrounding towns in the area needed repairs to stem water losses and to reduce the risk of canal failures. When failures do occur, it results in huge losses due to damages to irrigated crops. The Clanwilliam Dam is the main water supply for the local agriculture community.
In terms of the agreement with the National Department of Water and Sanitation, the Lower Olifants River Water Users Association is responsible for the maintenance and management of the infrastructure.
However, to mitigate the impact of the drought on the local economy, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture is completing a R4 million proactive maintenance plan on the Clanwilliam Dam canal system. MEC Winde will conduct a site visit and receive a briefing on this specific repair work.
Details:
Date: Wednesday, 25 October 2017
Time: 10am
Meeting point: Off the N7, near to Clanwilliam Dam
Enquiries:
Bronwynne Jooste
Spokesperson: Alan Winde, MEC of Economic Opportunities
Tel: 021 483 3550
Cell: 060 970 4301
E-mail: bronwynne.jooste@westerncape.gov.za
