“12 months” to repair Chelmsford Dam’s broken sluice gate, hopefully

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The saga around Ntshingwayo (Chelmsford) Dam’s damaged sluice gate continues, with the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) stating that the work is ongoing.

The Newcastillian – Online News first reported on the issue in January 2022, after a source pointed out that one of the dam’s sluice gates was broken, resulting in significant water loss in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal.

The spokesperson for DWS, Sputnik Ratau confirmed the issue, while reassuring Newcastillians that the Department was remedying the matter. At the time, he also claimed there was no significant water loss.

To read the full article, click here.

In April, Ratau explained that while the problem had not yet been resolved, the DWS had an emergency gate/stoplog installed as a temporary solution. He further explained that the cause of the broken sluice gate was the limit switch that failed during the normal operation of the radial gate.

“The department is following the supply chain process, in order to procure the services of a professional service provider to replace the radial gate.”

Yet again, he assured there was no water wastage, as the emergency gate was installed timeously.

To read the full article, click here.

However, despite the DWS assurances claiming the problem was being attended to and there was no water wastage, in July 2022, local farmers explained that the Ntshingwayo (Chelmsford) Dam had not seen any form of maintenance for at least three years and the DWS had not attended to the broken sluice gate.

Furthermore, a farmer added that he speculated due to the damaged sluice gate, the dam had lost approximately 25% of its water volume.

Another farmer explained that the sluice gate had been broken for two years and that local farmers were willing to step in and have the problem fixed as to avert a water shortage.

However, Ratau yet again stated that the water levels were not being impacted and that the Department had finalised the appointment of the contractor set to manufacture and install the radial gate.

Unfortunately, no timeframes were given on when the contractor would manufacture and install the radial gate.

He also highlighted that locals could not repair the damaged sluice gates themselves.

To read the full article, click here.

Due to the dam being the main supply of water to Newcastle and its immediate surroundings, the Newcastillian – Online News yet again approached the DWS on 8 August 2022 now months later for an update.

According to Ratau, the work is still not complete. However, he explained that the request for the necessary quotation was given to the maintenance contractor and a site briefing was done. He added, “The work involved is of a very technical nature and involves the confirmation of the design in line with the latest design principles, drafting of new manufacturing drawings, manufacture, supply, delivery, and installation.”

Moreover, Ratau stressed that the installation of the radial gate is a high-risk activity that requires specialists and significant planning. 

“Very few companies in the RSA have the knowledge and experience to handle a project like this.  Two suitably experienced companies were invited as subcontractors to the site briefing,” he explained.

The question now stands, when can Newcastillians expect the matter to be resolved? “The total implementation is estimated to be in the order of twelve months but can only be affirmed once a proposal is received from the contractor.”

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