Giant rising in Olifants tributary

Abstract

Bulk water infrastructure Giant rising in Olifants tributary De Hoop Dam forms part of the Olifants River Water Resources Development Project, and was first announced in the State of the Nation Address by former President Thabo Mbeki in 2003. Approved by Cabinet in 2004, construction started in 2007 following a revised Record of Decision by the then Minister of Environmental Affairs & Tourism. According to the Department of Water Affairs, the dam was seen as the only viable option to meet the medium-to long-term need for water of populations in the Sekhukhune area as well as expected increased mining excavated for foundations. Once completed the dam wall will be 88 m high above the lowest foundation. De Hoop is being constructed as a roller compacted concrete (or rollcrete) gravity dam with a vertical upstream face. It is the highest rollcrete dam yet to be constructed in South Africa. The dam wall will be 1 020 m long. An innovative rollcrete mix is being used, negating the need for skin concrete.

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