Goedertrouw Dam’s benefits investigated
The process is being led by Engineerex (Pty) Ltd on behalf of the Department of Water and Sanitation
INTERESTED and affected parties have been invited to attend public participation meetings to discuss how the Goedertrouw Dam can be used for recreational purposes, while also benefiting the local community.
The process is being led by Engineerex (Pty) Ltd on behalf of the Department of Water and Sanitation.
The meetings will be used to develop a resource management and business plan for the dam.
The needs and expectations of the community need to be incorporated into the plans.
Four community meetings are scheduled for 16 to 18 February.
On Sunday, 16 February, a meeting will be held from 10am to noon at Mqokolweni, and the second meeting at the Ncemaneni Community Hall from 2pm to 4pm.
The eShowe Child Welfare Hall will be the venue on Monday, 17 February from 4pm to 6pm, and the last meeting will be held from 2pm to 4pm in the Melmoth Town Hall on Tuesday, 18 February.
The draft resource management plan will be available for review and comments between 4 and 18 February at the public participation office at the uMlalazi Municipality, Mqokolweni (Nduna Buthelezi), the tuck shop next to Mehlamasha Primary School, Mhubeni (next to the kwaMzilikazi shop, DWS offices at Goedertrouw Dam and Induna Khumalo (Mpungose Traditional Council).
Confirmation of your attendance and for further information contact Helen Mthimkhulu at Engineerex. Tel 012 9994900 or email helen@engineerex.co.za.
Goedertrouw Dam
Goedertrouw Dam, also known as Lake Phobane, is located about 15km north of eShowe and is the second largest dam in KwaZulu-Natal.
The construction of the dam on the Mhlathuze River was undertaken by the Department of Water Affairs with the goal of providing a constant water supply to Richards Bay’s developing port and industrial complex.
Goedertrouw Dam is about 14km long and holds an impressive capacity of 300 million cubic metres.
The dam is located within the Umhlatuze Valley with the Mabelebele Mountain range serving as a magnificent backdrop.
Attractions
A number of varying habitats exist along the dam, ranging from dry acacia scrub to tall, mixed woodland, patches of riverine forest and mountainous terrain featuring massive cliffs up to three hundred feet high, which overlook the water.
The dam consists mainly of open water, but also has a few areas of quiet backwaters with plenty of overhanging vegetation.
Shallow rocky areas have formed, where the seven rivers feed into the dam.
For birdwatching at the dam, access to a boat is recommended and can be launched from the parking area.
Birds which can be sighted include the Whitebacked night heron, African fin foot, Half-collared kingfisher and the Gorgeous bush shrike.
Another attraction is the fishing where bass and barbel are popular catches.
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