The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) says it will review the preliminary report that laid the blame at its doorstep over the failed Riverlands dams once received, and provide a response on the conclusion of its own processes.
A Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) preliminary report released last week found DALRRD to have failed to conduct due diligence to ascertain whether the dams were compliant with the National Water Act and whether they were registered with the relevant authority.
DWS minister Pemmy Majodina named DALRRD as the land owners of Farm Dassenberg near Malmesbury in Swartland municipality, where dozens of residents have been left destitute after the surrounding areas flooded when three dams failed.
The Dam Safety Regulation specialist unit appointed by DWS to conduct investigations into the incident ascertained that DALRRD was non-compliant as the dams which burst were operating without the necessary permits and licence.
Majodina further said they would take action against DALRRD, which would include relief for financial compensation for damage to infrastructure.
Swartland municipality mayor Harold Cleophas said the interim calculated loss was R50 million.
Majodina said: “It must be noted that the dams were not constructed by government. The property was acquired together with the dams. However, the current owner was required to do a due diligence and ensure that the dams comply with all the relevant legislation.”
DALRRD spokesperson Moses Rannditsheni on Monday said the department was aware of the preliminary report but was yet to officially receive the document from DWS.
“While the DALRRD has not yet received the report, the department acknowledges that the dams are situated on a property purchased as part of the land redistribution programme in 2019, which was subsequently leased to a livestock farmer.
“The department will review the report once received and will provide a response upon conclusion of its own processes,” the department said in a statement.
Swartland community leader Marlon Truter called on authorities to take responsibility for the devastation.
Cape Times