Nearly two years on, the damaged sluice gate at Ntshingwayo (Chelmsford) Dam remains unrepaired. However, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) claims the end of the repair work is in sight.

Newcastillian News initially reported on the damaged sluice gate in January 2022, where the Department confirmed it was aware of the issue and explained that the Department’s Infrastructure Management team was in the process of having it repaired.
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However, by April 2022, the Department had not made any significant strides in addressing the issue. At the time, the DWS explained that it was still finalising the appointment of a professional service provider to manufacture, deliver, install, and commission a radial gate at Ntshingwayo Dam.
While the problem had not been resolved, the DWS explained that an emergency gate/stoplog had been installed as a temporary solution.
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By July 2022, no major developments had taken place with the DWS stating this time that the appointment of a contractor had finally been finalised, and the manufacturing of the broken part would officially begin.
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In August 2022, the DWS was still working on resolving the issue, explaining that the work was still not complete. As per the DWS, the request for the necessary quotation was given to the maintenance contractor, and a site briefing was done.
Furthermore, the DWS highlighted that the work was of a technical nature and involved the confirmation of the design in line with the latest design principles, drafting of new manufacturing drawings, manufacture, supply, delivery, and installation.
Moreover, it was pointed out that the installation of the radial gate was a high risk activity that required specialists and significant planning. With the work still not complete, the DWS noted that the total implementation was estimated to be achieved in twelve months but could only be affirmed once a proposal was received from the contractor.
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With the repair work not coming to a conclusion for well over a year, the situation around the work saw local farmers meet with AfriForum in February 2023 to establish a way forward, as there were concerns about water security and the impact it could potentially have on the agricultural sector.
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Then in August 2023, Newcastillian News reported that the work on the problem was stalled even further. This followed the subcontractor stopping its work due to non-payment.
At the time, the DWS noted that it had made the necessary payments to the main contractor and that the allegations of non-payment were not true.
The DWS further highlighted that the main contractor had committed to commissioning the project from mid to the end of October 2023.
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Now, as November 2023 slowly comes to an end, how far has the work come? Has the DWS finally resolved the matter?
The job has unfortunately not been completed. However, DWS spokesperson Mavasa Wisane said, “Manufacturing of the gate has been completed. The gate is under corrosion protection. It is anticipated that the corrosion protection will be completed on or before 1 December 2023.”
She emphasised that the delay in the work was due to disputes between the main contractor and subcontractor. “However, the project is progressing well. The installation date will be confirmed during the last week of November 2023.”
As for the total cost of the repair work, Wisane highlighted the project came in at the estimated cost of R6 million.
Since the repair work began, the DWS has repeatedly denied that there has been water loss due to the broken sluice gate. This is despite the fact that local farmers have repeatedly stated there has been immense water loss stemming from the broken sluice gate.
In addition to this, the DWS’s weekly report on the state of the KZN dams has shown that the Ntshingwayo Dam’s levels have not surpassed 65% in several months. When questioned again on water loss, with Newcastillian News pointing out that the dam’s water levels have not risen past a certain level, Wisane stressed, “There is no water loss due to the broken radial gate. The dam has a controlled spillway and is operated in accordance with the 80% operating rule.”
Furthermore, Newcastillian News asked Wisane that if there was no water loss due to the radial gate, and with the impending heat wave this summer as per the South African Weather Services, what steps was the Department of Water and Sanitation taking to ensure the dam levels did not drop to lower levels?
She said, “The department is monitoring the inflows, demand, and the reservoir level. The department has quarterly meetings with the stakeholders through the Buffalo Catchment Forum.”
While there is hope that the work on the dam will finally be complete within the coming weeks, what are your thoughts on all of this? Share your views in the comment section below.
Comments 1
It won’t happen… Its season time all will be closing for holidays….what a DISGRACE to lie and push the buck around… 😡😡😡