CLANWILLIAM - Progress on the Clanwilliam Dam expansion has been slow, with the project missing its set deadline.
Originally set for completion in 2018, the multibillion-rand initiative intended to increase water supply within the Cederberg Municipality is now expected to be finished by 2028.
The R5.7 billion project involves raising the dam wall by 13 meters, nearly tripling its water yield to benefit local farmers, households, and historically disadvantaged agricultural communities.
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina acknowledged that at least 10 major projects faced delays due to funding shortages.
She explained that after securing financing from financial markets rising construction and material costs since 2018 caused the project's budget to balloon to R5.7 billion.