Water service delivery in the valley was boosted last week by an oversight visit to water and sanitation services infrastructure and the launch of the newly upgraded Brandvlei Water Feeder Canal by Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu and his Deputy, David Mahlobo.
The Brandvlei Water Feeder Canal project, which is part of the Greater Brandvlei Scheme, was unveiled and officially handed over to its beneficiaries on Friday 10 February in Rawsonville.
The project, completed in October 2022, entailed increasing the wall of the feeder by 300 mm, over a 4 km stretch, which means 33 million cubes of additional water can be stored. The new structural lift of the canal is set to increase water flow to the dam, contributing to increased irrigation activity, which in turn is expected to boost the agri-economy of that region.
Mchunu thanked construction workers for their diligent work and dedication, and for completing the project within budget and on schedule.
“The additional 4 400 hectares of land that will benefit from this project will go a long way in unlocking further employment and business opportunities,” Mchunu said.
Western Cape MEC for Local Government Anton Bredell said the R21 million project was anticipated to accelerate and stimulate agricultural economy. “This upgraded canal will lead to improve agricultural activity which, in turn, will create jobs and assist small-scale farmers.”
