River weir maintenance battle rages

THE WESTERN Cape government has accused the national Department of Water and Sanitation of not maintaining the Leeu River weir, which diverts water to the Voëlvlei Dam, but the department has hit back saying it’s not its responsibility and falls within the ambit of provincial departments.

The provincial government said yesterday it would be visiting the Leeu River diversion weir next week.

Maintenance work is currently being carried out there to increase the water supply to the Cape Town supply system.

In a statement the Department of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism said that national department was responsible for maintenance and infrastructure of the Leeu River diversion weir.

It has committed to funding the removal of sand from the weir, which would increase the water supply of the Voëlvlei Dam.

But national spokesperson Sputnik Ratau, said: “The department wishes to dismiss the incorrect reports that it has been stalling to make funds available for the maintenance of water canals in the Western Cape. The cleaning of canals fall within the responsibility ambit of provincial departments of agriculture.

“Against this background, it is expected that the Department of Agriculture in the Western Cape should take the lead in removing the sediment deposits in the canal at Leeu River.

“Despite the fact that the department is not directly responsible for the work, the national Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation in March took the initiative of removing sand from the Leeu River canal.

“The cleaning involved the removal of sand deposits that were found behind the diversion works and in front of the canal inlet. The work was done in collaboration with the local Water Users Association (WUA).

“It is important to note that the three canals that are supplying Voëlvlei Dam are currently working and there are no operational issues. The department will continue to work with the Western Cape government in the interest of addressing the negative impact of the drought in the province,” Ratau said.

Currently the Western Cape is experiencing a severe drought with the average dam levels standing at 27% with only 17% of potable water.

DEPARTMENT DENIES OPERATIONAL ISSUES ON THE WATERS OF WESTERN CAPE ARE ITS RESPONSIBILITY