The Northern Cape is expected to ramp up its water security. Bulk water supply projects around the province are at various stages of completion. The biggest of these is a dam, to be built on the Orange River.
The proposed dam will be the first to be built on the Orange River. It will be located just short of Vioolsdrift and will straddle South Africa and Namibia.
Feasibility studies are currently underway and two options are being considered, a 35 or 73 metre wall.
Bigger seems to be the most likely which will put the Goodhouse area in its floodplains and residents say while they will be the most affected, but they are yet to be officially informed of the development.
“Because we aren’t considered, it means it’s forced removals and that was banned in the new democracy,”says Fernando Ntuli, Goodhouse Ward Representative.
“It’s a very painful issue for us. This place is my everything, it’s where I was born and where my ancestors were born,” says Goodhouse resident, Johanna Smith.
Apart from the local community, specifics around the dam are being negotiated with Namibia.
“Whether all the issues have been addressed it’s an ongoing issue because it’s part of the engagement process,” says Sputnik Ratau from Department of Water Affairs.
The Goodhouse community says they reserve their right to take the matter to court.
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