The raising of Clanwilliam Dam wall project is well underway and notable progress has been made since the site was established in June 2014.

The remedial work is well underway and the purpose of the remedial work is to ensure the long term safety of the dam, increase the dam storage capacity, increase assurance of supply and improve yield.

The long term reliable water supply that will be availed by the project will not only increase dam storage but will be critical to also cater for emerging farmers and existing commercial farmers.

To date, the water treatment plant, the workshop buildings, as well as potable water reticulation infrastructure are complete.

The flagging of the dam boundary line is complete and to date 66 properties have been expropriated.

Of the 66 properties, compensation has been paid for 45, while administrative processes are pending for the rest.

The project has seen direct and indirect employment created for sub- contractors in the fields of drilling and blasting, tunneling operations as well as manufacturing and installation of mechanical items.

The Clanwilliam Dam was first constructed in 1935 and benefits the Cederberg and Matzikama communities.

The project is estimated to cost approximately R2.2 billion, with the exclusion of the N7 and other secondary roads being re-aligned, as well as costs related to land and infrastructure.