Issued by: Department of Water Affairs and Forestry
ASMAL ANNOUNCES GRANT FOR PARIS DAM WATER SUPPLY SCHEME - KWAZULU/NATAL
31 JANUARY 1996
Prof Kader Asmal, MP, the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry has approved a subsidy estimated at R35 million (one third of the total cost) for the implementation of the Paris Dam water supply scheme in KwaZulu/Natal. The dam will be constructed in the Bivane River, a major tributary of the Pongola River. This storage dam will have a capacity of approximately 118 million cubic metres.
The purpose of the Paris Dam water supply scheme is, in line with the RDP-principles, to link economic growth, development and equity. The growth will come from the stabilisation and expansion of the successful irrigation agriculture; the development element from the supply of water to the rural communities in the surrounding areas within convenient walking distance - the dam will supply water for domestic use for nearly 260 000 people; and equity will be promoted by providing water to develop 700 ha of irrigation for approximately 70 small farmers from black communities at Pongola. Improved road works as well as compensation land to the communities directly affected by the construction of the dam will be provided. Irrigation water will be supplied to the Impala and the Pongola River Irrigation Boards who will source the bulk of the capital through loans.
The subsidy is subject to RDP-requirements such as capacity building in the involved rural communities, the establishment of a representative steering committee consisting of all interested and affected parties, the assurance that the provision of domestic water will enjoy priority during drier seasons and the implementation of environmental impact recommendations before the construction of the Paris Dam. Provincial government agreement will also be needed and, since the Pongola is a shared river, formal consent of neighbouring countries will have to be obtained.
"This scheme represents an important partnership between the white farmers who benefited under previous governments and the black communities who were formerly excluded," said Minister Asmal. "As such, it represents a valuable example for other areas."
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