Byline: Nonjabuliso Nhlambo
14 April 2025
An oversight visit to the construction site of Gabosch Dam in Amsterdam was led by Cllr. Walter Mngomezulu, the Executive Mayor of Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) on 09 April 2025.
The project, funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and implemented by GSDM, is on track with 41% physical progress.
Valued at R416, 746, 816.00, the project started in 2023 and involves constructing a category III medium size high-hazard rating dam with a full supply capacity of 1.17 million cubic meters. This innovative dam, with a combination-type rockfill embankment and conventional concrete gravity dam, is the second of its kind in the country. It features a maximum wall height of 25.4 meters.
Cllr Mngomezulu mentioned that GSDM continues to provide support to the local municipalities through the implementation of water projects which includes the construction of the Gabosch Dam on behalf of the Mkhondo Municipality, which is the biggest project that GSDM has taken on thus far. “We are excited about the good progress made to date, as it brings us closer to the ultimate goal which is to consistently service the communities with basic services”.
The project is expected to be completed by August 2026. It is set to benefit 19,837 households, and is expected to create long-term water security, addressing both the challenge of water shortages and the growing population. To date, 78 jobs have been created, with 11 local SMMEs benefitting from the initiative.
The Executive Mayor of Mkhondo Local Municipality, Cllr. Ngelosi Ndhlovu, expressed satisfaction with the progress, praising both the DWS and GSDM for their dedication to addressing the increasing demand due to population growth and water scarcity challenges faced by the district. “This project is crucial to meeting the water needs of our growing population, and we truly appreciate the efforts of all parties involved,” said Cllr. Ndhlovu.
