Clanwilliam Dam budget to surge again after doubling due to delays

JOHANNESBURG - The cost of the Clanwilliam Dam upgrade in the Western Cape is set to increase again, pushing the project’s budget to a staggering R6 billion.

This comes after years of delays, during which costs soared from the initial R2 billion to R5 billion, doubling since the project began.  

READ | Clanwilliam Dam expansion project balloons to R5.7b

Originally scheduled for completion in 2018, the dam’s upgrade is now expected to be finished by 2028.

The project involves raising the dam wall by 13 meters to increase water storage for farmers and historically disadvantaged communities, while also creating 15,000 job opportunities.  

Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Majodina said the new anticipated budget comes in light of other things, such as rising construction costs.