District reports good progress for Gabosch Dam’s construction

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23-04-2025
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Highvelder News
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The executive mayor of eMkhondo Local Municipality gave an update on the construction of the Gabosh Dam

AMSTERDAM – The Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) has announced significant progress in the construction of the Gabosch Dam in town, a major infrastructure project aimed at tackling the persistent water shortages in the Mkhondo Local Municipality.

The project, which began in 2023 and is being implemented by GSDM with funding from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), has reached 41% completion.

With an allocated budget of R416.7m, it is the most ambitious water-related development GSDM is said to have undertaken to date.

The dam, classified as a category three, medium-size, high-hazard structure will have a full supply capacity of 1.17 million cubic metres.

The design includes a combination-type rockfill embankment and a conventional concrete gravity wall reaching a height of 25.4m.

It will be only the second dam of its kind in South Africa.

The GSDM’s executive mayor, Walter Mngomezulu, who led an oversight visit to the site on April 8, said the project demonstrates the municipality’s commitment to addressing water infrastructure needs in the region.

“We are excited about the good progress made to date as it brings us closer to the ultimate goal – to consistently service the communities with basic services,” Mngomezulu said.

The Gabosch Dam is expected to directly benefit approximately 19 837 households upon completion, scheduled for August 2026.

Besides providing long-term water security for the area’s growing population, the initiative has thus far created 78 jobs and enabled 11 local small-, medium-, and micro-enterprises to participate in the construction process.

Mkhondo Local Municipality’s executive mayor, Ngelosi Ndhlovu, welcomed the progress, praising both the GSDM and the DWS for their commitment.

“This project is crucial to meeting the water needs of our growing population and we truly appreciate the efforts of all parties involved,” Ndhlovu said.