Temporary steel structure restores water supply to 45‚000 Western Cape residents

The loss of precious water resources has been averted in Clanwilliam in the Western Cape.

“Due to prompt action‚ the economic impact of the damage was lessened‚ and we’ve been able to avoid any serious loss of revenue or jobs‚ or damage to crops‚” said Alan Winde‚ Economic Opportunities MEC.

A severed section of a canal‚ which transports water from the Clanwilliam dam to surrounding farms‚ caused a disruption of the water supply to approximately 45‚000 residents and irrigation of 15‚000 hectares of farm land from Tuesday evening to Saturday evening.

According to Winde the Western Cape Department of Agriculture said the‚ “Lower Olifants River Water Users Association (LORWUA) and the contractor they appointed‚ Namakwa Engineering‚ took swift action under a high-pressure situation. They worked tirelessly‚ 24-hours a day‚ until the water supply was restored.''

LORWUA is responsible for the upkeep and management of infrastructure under the National Water Act. A temporary steel structure has been put in place at the severed section of the canal in order to prevent water losses and will be replaced by concrete lining during the annual maintenance period in winter.

“The Western Cape Department of Agriculture is halfway through a R4 million proactive maintenance plan on the Clanwilliam dam canal system. Three specific stretches of canal were identified as critical due to the aging of the infrastructure‚ with some being more than 80 years old. Pro-active maintenance is being carried out on these sections over a three year period‚” said Winde.

Several areas in the Western Cape have been impacted as a result of the drought. In Cape Town it is likely that even more water restrictions will be imposed. The average level of dams in the province has fallen below 40%.

Western Cape local government‚ environmental affairs and development planning MEC Anton Bredell‚ said despite hard work done to curb consumption‚ water usage remained high and dam levels were worrying.

-TMG Digital/The Times