Kempsdale dam in South Africa set for rehabilitation

The Kempsdale dam in South Africa is set for rehabilitation. The country’s Minister for Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, launched the project in the town of Kokstad.

The project initiative aims to increase the dam’s water retention capacity to over 1.2 million m3. Plant Hire JV RGZ Construction, a company based in New Zealand, has been tasked with executing the water project. They have been give given three years to complete the refurbishment and it is estimated to cost US $108M.

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Kempsdale dam

Scope of work includes raising the height of the dam wall from 4 to 7.8 meters. This will boost the reservoir’s storage capacity from 215,055 m3 to 1,214,519 m3. Additionally, a new pumping station downstream of the dam will be constructed. The raw water from the dam will be treated at the Kokstad drinking water treatment plant, which has a daily capacity of 18,000 m3.

The current demand for drinking water in Kokstad is 10,350 m3 per day, with an expected rise to 14,450 m3 per day by 2040. The project is expected to benefit approximately 69,146 people or 11,524 households in the towns of Kokstad, Shayamoya, and Bhongweni (wards: 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10), helping alleviate drinking water shortages.

The funding for the project will be provided by MIG. SSR Security CC T/A Mahlubi in South Africa. Minister Senzo Mchunu reaffirmed the South African government’s commitment to accelerating service delivery projects, especially those focused on ensuring a reliable water supply, emphasizing that water is an essential service and a fundamental human right.