Water and Sanitation Minister
By Thobeka Makume
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has committed to expediting the R5.7 billion project aimed at raising the Clanwilliam Dam wall by 13 metres. Situated on the Olifants River in the Western Cape’s Cederberg Municipality, this initiative is set to significantly enhance water storage capacity, benefiting local communities and agricultural sectors.
Historical Context and Project Evolution
Constructed in 1935, the Clanwilliam Dam underwent its last elevation between 1962 and 1966, during which the overspill crest was increased by 3 metres, and 13 crest gates were each raised by 3.05 metres. The current project, part of the Olifants-Doorn River Water Resources Project (ODRWP), aims to further elevate the dam wall by 13 metres. This enhancement is projected to nearly triple the dam’s water yield, providing approximately 70 million cubic metres of additional water annually. Such an increase is anticipated to improve water supply assurance for existing irrigators and support the development of emerging and small-scale farmers in the region.
Ministerial Oversight and Commitment
During an oversight visit to the dam on Saturday, Minister Majodina expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress, noting the concurrent execution of multiple work streams. She emphasized the importance of timely completion, stating, “Let us ensure that we accelerate the project so that it can be finalised 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.”
Project Components and Current Status
The comprehensive project encompasses several key components:
• N7 National Route Alignment: Completed in 2017, this realignment was a prerequisite for the dam wall raising.
• Dam Apron Construction: The apron, a concrete structure below the dam designed to protect against water washes and control flows, was constructed between March and June of the previous year.
• Dam Wall Raising: As of 1 March 2025, construction progress stands at 21%, with completion targeted for 2028.
Upon completion, the upgraded dam will supply raw water to farmers, municipalities, mines, and industries in the Olifants River valley, stretching from the dam to the estuary.
Challenges and Financial Implications
The project has encountered significant delays, now running ten years behind the original schedule. Initially slated for completion in 2018, various challenges, including procurement and funding issues, have impeded progress. Consequently, the project’s cost has escalated from an initial R2.2 billion to the current R5.7 billion.  
Economic and Social Benefits
Beyond enhancing water security, the project is poised to deliver substantial economic and social benefits:
• Agricultural Expansion: The increased water capacity will enable the development of resource-poor farmers, promoting food security and fostering inclusive economic growth.
• Job Creation: The construction phase and subsequent agricultural activities are expected to generate employment opportunities, stimulating the local economy.
• Community Development: Improved water supply reliability will enhance the quality of life for local communities, supporting both domestic and industrial needs.
Minister Majodina’s Vision for Water Security
Since her appointment as Minister of Water and Sanitation in July 2024, Pemmy Majodina has been proactive in addressing South Africa’s water challenges. She has assured the nation that there is currently no threat to water security, attributing concerns to local government mismanagement and budget constraints. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining and upgrading water infrastructure, Majodina has called for improved resource management to prevent future crises.   
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