De Hoop Dam to boost Limpopo water supply

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Pretoria - The De Hoop Dam in Limpopo is to be commissioned on Monday, 24 March, Cabinet said on Thursday.

Briefing reporters on the outcomes of a Cabinet meeting, Acting Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Minister Angie Motshekga said the fourth biggest dam built since democracy will help drive economic activity, create jobs and aid service delivery in Limpopo.

“More than 800 000 people in the Sekhukhune area will benefit from secure and improved domestic water supply, while new mining and agricultural activities will also benefit from the supply of water,” she said.

Municipalities in the area, supported by national and provincial government, have invested an additional R3 billion in infrastructure to treat and distribute water to rural domestic and urban users.

Cabinet also expressed satisfaction at the planned launch of the Lesotho Highlands Project Phase II on 27 March.

“The project is a prime example of what can be achieved when neighbouring countries cooperate and work towards a common goal. The development of mutual water resources is significantly contributing to the peace and prosperity of the Southern African region and the welfare of its people,” said Minister Motshekga. - SAnews.gov.za