Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism
Question by:
Hon Noko Masipa
Answered by:
Hon Ivan Meyer
Question Number:
8
Question Body:
- Whether the national Department of Water and Sanitation has engaged with his Department regarding the progress of the Clanwilliam Dam Project; if so, what are the relevant details;
- (a) what are the latest developments in relation to the project and (b) what impact has have ongoing delays had on (i) job creation and (ii) economic development in the surrounding region?
Answer Body:
- The Western Cape Department of Agriculture is not directly involved in the project’s implementation and, as such, does not receive day to day updates on progress. However, departmental officials attend several fora with officials from the national Department of Water and Sanitation where the project is discussed.
- (a) It appears that the various delays that have plagued the project have been put to bed and project implementation is progressing according to the revised plan. The planned completion date is September 2028 and the national Department of Water and Sanitation is fully committed to take any necessary measures to stay on schedule. Currently the two most significant construction activities underway is the erection of an inlet coffer wall that will allow work on the inlet tower to continue while the dam is full and the construction of the new spillway.
b) The project delays unavoidably had a significant social impact on job creation, skills development and economic development in the region. The project steering committee is well aware of the significance of the project to the local economy and the agricultural sector in the region and is committed in ensuring the implementation of the revised plan meet the completion date of September 2028.
Date:
Thursday, June 26, 2025
