Water supply to about 45 000 residents in the Western Cape was disrupted last week after a section of the canal which transports water from the Clanwilliam Dam gave way.

According to Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, the section of the canal broke due to an electronic malfunctioning of the telemetry system which controls the water level in the canal. This resulted in an overflow at the concrete canal section which washed away the soil supporting the canal lining.

A temporary steel structure has been erected to replace the broken canal lining and stem water losses at the broken section. This temporary structure will be replaced by concrete lining during the annual maintenance period in winter.

The water supply to about 45 000 residents and 15 000 hectares of irrigation was disrupted from Tuesday evening to Saturday evening last week.

Proactive maintenance

According to Winde, “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. 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.”

Swift action commended

Under the National Water Act, the Lower Olifants River Water Users Association (LORWUA) is responsible for the maintenance and management of the infrastructure.

Winde commended the association for their efforts to resolve the matter.

“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.