Dams and associated structures are critical elements of the water management system and supply network in the Orange-Senqu River basin, as they allow for the storage, distribution and the transfer of water to the water scarce parts of the basin. In certain areas they also allow for the generation of hydropower.
Table : The major dams of the Orange-Senqu River basin.
|
Dam Name
|
WMA/Country
|
Full Storage Capacity (Mm3)
|
Surface Area (km2)
|
|
Gariep
|
Upper Orange
|
5 500
|
370
|
|
Vanderkloof
|
Upper Orange
|
3 200
|
|
|
Combined: Vaal, Grootdraai, Sterkfontein, Saulspoort and Vaal Barrage
|
Upper Vaal
|
5 655
|
|
|
Vaal
|
Upper Vaal
|
2 536
|
320
|
|
Grootdraai
|
Upper Vaal
|
364
|
|
|
Bloemhof
|
Middle Vaal
|
1 269
|
223
|
|
Katse
|
Lesotho
|
1 520
|
36
|
|
Naute
|
Namibia
|
84
|
|
|
Hardap
|
Namibia
|
294
|
|
Source: ORASECOM 2007d
See the following pages for a discussion of major dams and infrastructure in each basin country:
The information provided below should be used with the Water Infrastructure interactive component provided here and the Dams of the Orange-Senqu River basin Google Earth application provided on the Google Earth page (top menu).
Mohale dam is a rock-fill dam constructed on the Senqunyane River that comprises the major component of Lesotho Highlands Phase 1B.
Source:Lesotho Highland Development Authority 2006
( click to enlarge )
