President Jacob Zuma has opened the 347-million cubic metre De Hoop dam, in Limpopo. The dam will supply people in the province with potable water and also serve the platinum belt mines, Engineering News reports.
The R3.5-billion dam, started in 2007, was built as part of Phase 2 of the Olifants River Water Resources Development Project – part of the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission’s strategic infrastructure projects aimed at fast-tracking development and growth across the country, creating jobs and aiding basic service delivery.
Zuma added that, as the dam was being opened, a pipeline to carry water from Jane Furse to Lobethal, was 70% complete, while another pipeline from Mooihoek to Tubatse was complete and only awaited an offtake agreement.
“The bulk distribution system connected to the dam will ensure that over time, all the people of this area will be served with an uninterrupted water supply, which is the ultimate goal of government,” Zuma said.
By: Leandi Kolver
Read the full article here: http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/zuma-opens-r35m-de-hoop-dam-2014-03-24/rep_id:3182
