Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Riëtte Dell and Sesotho soundbite by David Masoeu MPL. See attached pictures here, here and video here.
The DA Setsoto Caucus will formally raise and escalate concerns about the extent of sludge and sediment buildup at the Laaispruit (Marquard) Dam following a recent oversight visit to the site. This matter will be taken to question 52 to the Council, as well as to the relevant provincial authorities, to ensure that the full scope of the problem is addressed.
The rehabilitation project is approximately 22% complete, with an expected completion by 30 October 2026, at a contract value of R21.54 million.
While it is encouraging to see work on the dam wall underway, it is clear that the volume of mud and sludge over the years is far greater than initially anticipated. The current project scope focuses on the dam wall and some sludge removal, but this raises a critical concern: even if the wall is completed, the remaining sediment may severely limit the dam’s storage capacity.
This is not just a Marquard issue. Marquard and Clocolan are both dependent on water pumped from the Holstein Pump Station, largely because the water in Clocolan’s dam is often discoloured and not always suitable.
This means that if the Marquard Dam can be properly restored to full capacity, it could significantly improve water security for both towns. However, if sediment is not adequately addressed, we risk spending millions on infrastructure that does not deliver the full benefit to our communities.
The DA proposes four clear recommendations to ensure dam restoration fully benefits the community:
- A comprehensive assessment of total sediment levels in the dam basin.
- The development of a full desilting or dredging plan, not limited to the immediate construction footprint.
- Exploration of alternative and innovative solutions, including phased sediment removal or partnerships for material reuse.
- Clear coordination between the Municipality and the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), which holds responsibility for dam infrastructure.
We must do more than fix the dam wall. We urge all stakeholders to ensure this project addresses sludge build-up, so it delivers genuine, lasting water security for Marquard and Clocolan.