Water remains the biggest key driver in agriculture and the sole commodity that can make or break farming operations. With many farmers experiencing water scarcity, those who are receiving it are rejoicing. The refurbishing of the Clanwilliam Dam in the Western Cape is expected to go a long way in helping farmers get this essential resource.
The project will create 70 000 direct and indirect agricultural jobs in the next five to ten years in the rich farming area which would boost the economy of the Cederburg municipal area.
A staggering R4 billion has been set aside for the infrastructure of the dam which involves raising the walls of the dam by 13 meters. This will increase serving capacity from 15 000 hectares to 26 000 hectares.
Opportunities to flow from the water project
Commercial farmer and mayor of Cederberg municipality, Dr Ruben Richards said they are encouraged by the way the national government and relevant authorities continue to invest in water infrastructure and conservation efforts.
“Projects such as this one has enormous benefit particularly to emerging farmers previously excluded due to among others a lack of access to water.
“The dam is incredibly important because it is one of the biggest sources of water in the region. The increase of water in the dam automatically makes more water available for more irrigation and farming,” he said.
Richards said the investment by the government is a revolution in the agricultural sector and he is excited to see the growth and economic benefit the increase in water would bring to the town and surroundings.
READ NEXT: Water regulations garner mixed agri response
“Opportunities for small-scale and commercial farmers in the region will be unlocked; that is how significant this water volume increase it is to us. And as a mayor for me, this is wonderful to be able to see job creation.
“This area (Cederberg) is a hidden diamond of South Africa because we have the rooibos tea being farmed here. The second is the citrus farming – which is the biggest in the Western Cape – followed by potato farming, so the water levels increasing will unlock many opportunities,” he said.
“I have invested in this area way before I became a mayor. Now, as a mayor, my role is to create a conducive environment for this town to flourish, so this project will be a game changer to the agricultural landscape in the Western Cape,” he added.
ALSO READ: Water is life, water is food – use it wisely
No more delays
According to Richards, farming is the backbone of the economy in the area and this would lead to foreign investment and boost the tourism industry as well.
“By continuing to prioritise the needs of emerging farmers and their access to resources, the Cederberg and the broader South Africa are placed in a position to further promote economic and social development, particularly in the rural areas while ensuring food security for the entire population,” he said.
The Clanwilliam Dam project has been delayed since 2015, costing the department of water and sanitation millions.
Local businessman Francois Swartbooi said they are happy the project is being revived. Swartbooi explained that they have established a business forum to ensure that local small and medium enterprises benefit from the project.
Flurry of activity signals a new era
According to the department of water and sanitation, the success of the trial blast marks the beginning of a new era for the project as excavation activities are expected to unleash high-scale activity at the construction site in the weeks to come.
During his recent visit to the area, the minister of water and sanitation Senzo Mchunu said the government was aware of the delays in the implementation of the Clanwillliam Dam project over the years.
He said with the recent resuscitation of the project, the department remains committed to completing the work within the revised timeframes, budgets, and specifications.
“We have built a solid, tight management team for the Clanwilliam Dam project, and we will support them to see it through to the end,” he said.
ALSO READ: Mchunu vows to resolve farmers’ water woes
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain
