THE Kouga Dam\u2019s stable water percentage, marked by three instances of spillage over the past 14 months, provides a unique backdrop for educational tours highlighting the significance of water conservation and demand management.<\/p>\n
Rienette Colesky, CEO of the Gamtoos Water Users\u2019 Association, said that since the eight-year-long drought ended when the Kouga Dam spilled in September 2023, they have seen an enormous amount of interest in the dam.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince September last year, we have received many requests from the public to tour the dam, especially when it rains or the dam spills,\u201d said Colesky.<\/p>\n
Even though they adhere to stringent safety measures at the dam, she said they believed they \u201cowed\u201d it to the community to grant public access to the facility.<\/p>\n
\u201cKouga Dam is not our dam; it is the public\u2019s dam. It is a dam for everyone drinking a glass of water, and it is for everyone who has empathy with the agricultural users during the drought,\u201d said Colesky.<\/p>\n
She further mentioned that allowing public access to tour the dam also serves as an opportunity to educate people about water scarcity and the importance of saving water.<\/p>\n
Colesky said the public can also learn and understand the unique Kouga Dam wall.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was our aim when we first gave access to the public in September 2023, and it is still our aim today,\u201d said Colesky.<\/p>\n
Through free-of-charge guided tours offered by their dam expert, Andrew Murray, she said that visitors are taken on an hour-long tour that begins with a walk up 365 stairs.<\/p>\n
Following this, visitors proceed along the catwalk, a pedestrian path situated beneath the cascading dam water, leading them to the dam\u2019s end point. <\/p>\n
They then return to the starting point via a walkway through the dam wall.<\/p>\n
Colesky noted that Murray\u2019s tour highlights not only the dam\u2019s fascinating history but also the crucial importance of responsible water management and conservation.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople must understand that yes, we can save the water spilling off the dam wall for another day, use it for agricultural purposes, or save it to give us more surety of our water supply, but the run-off water is very important for the environment. The water flowing to the sea is important to keep the ecology alongside the estuary and up the river in a healthy condition,\u201d said Colesky.<\/p>\n
Colesky said that tour feedback has been consistently excellent, including remarks from local visitors who were impressed by the dam\u2019s spillway despite its proximity to their home town.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can see that the tour touches the visitors deeply,\u201d said Colesky.<\/p>\n
She further expressed gratitude that the dam has overflowed at least three times within the past 14 months, providing a sense of relief and reassurance.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt puts us at ease knowing that the Kouga Dam is at a high level, which means there will be water for domestic and agricultural usage,\u201d said Colesky.<\/p>\n
She further mentioned that in the lead-up to Christmas Day, the tour will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays for the next few weeks, with prior booking being essential.<\/p>\n
\n Requirements to join the tour include:<\/b>\n<\/p>\n
\n .<\/span> No children under 12 years of age<\/p>\n \n .<\/span> No pets<\/p>\n \n .<\/span> Visitors must be able to walk up 365 stairs<\/p>\n \n .<\/span> Visitors must be able to enter small and confined spaces<\/p>\n \n .<\/span> Visitors travelling with the tour group but not participating in the tour will be required to stay outside the premises<\/p>\n \n .<\/span> It is advisable to travel with a bakkie as the Condomo crossing will be covered with water when the dam spills, and an alternative route will be followed<\/p>\n To pre-book a tour, send a message on WhatsApp to Andrew Murray at 083 490 1737.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" THE Kouga Dam\u2019s stable water percentage, marked by three instances of spillage over the past 14 months, provides a unique backdrop for educational tours highlighting the significance of water conservation and demand 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