Hazelmere Dam is set to reach full capacity following the planned relocation of the final family living in the dam’s basin later this month.
The dam has been unable to exceed 80% capacity since the completion of its wall-raising project in October last year, currently sitting three meters below full capacity.
Raising the dam wall began in 2015 with an original completion date of June 2017 but a slew of setbacks saw completion delayed by nearly six years – and the original cost balloon from R110-million to R800-million.
Once complete, the dam was prevented from rising to its new capacity due to the relocation project and the demolishment of the dam’s operation office, which also fell within the basin.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) said the final family will be relocated by mid-October.
DWS spokesperson Wisane Mavasa confirmed that relocated families are being temporarily housed, and the department is constructing 17 new homes for permanent accommodation.
“The construction of the [new] dam office is currently 75% complete and the 17 houses are 15% complete. The full project cost will be determined on completion of the full project scope,” said Mavasa.
Once filled, Hazelmere Dam will offer much-needed water supply stability to communities in the Siza Water concession area and parts of iLembe. The wall extension has increased the dam’s capacity from 23.9 million cubic meters to 43.6 million cubic meters – an impressive 83% increase. Additionally, upgrades to the Water Treatment Plant have enabled processing of up to 75 megalitres per day.
The potential capacity is particularly relevant in light of the water curtailment project announced by the eThekwini Metro last week.
“Hazelmere Dam is currently just in balance and will continue as such over the next few years,” said Mavasa.
The Department and its stakeholders conduct an Annual Operating Analysis (AOA) to assess water availability and impact on users. She said the AOA for the 2024/25 rainfall year forecasted that there would be no need for restrictions during the year.
“Augmentation will be needed in the short-term if there is high growth in water use. This can be delayed if consumers reduce the volumes that they use. It is important that our water users are informed on the importance to always use water sparingly,” she said.
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