Dam wall at botanical garden to undergo reconstruction

GEORGE NEWS - George Municipality in collaboration with the Garden Route Botanical Garden Trust has started the rehabilitation of the dam wall in the Garden Route Botanical Garden, after it collapsed during the 2021 flooding.

“The botanical garden dam suffered damages during the November 2021 flood that affected the George region,” said Nosidima Vumindaba, Manager: Parks and Recreation at George Municipality.

“The dam wall has been compromised and dam safety was of concern. Failure of the dam wall will result in downstream flooding of established residential areas as well as threatening the livelihood of the botanical garden.”

Bertus Homveld of Phambili Civils, the contractor on the project, explained that they are building a retainer wall of clay layers as part of the reconstruction. When the water was pumped out of the dam all fish, frogs and water turtles were relocated to other areas where they can flourish under the care of aquatic specialists.

All environmental authorisations were applied for through Cape Environmental Assessment Practitioners and endangered trees including small yellowwood trees will be relocated to other areas in the garden.

Christiaan Viljoen, curator of the Garden Route Botanical Garden, said the water reached the overflowing point during the flood in 2021, which caused extreme erosion along the natural wall. “So much so, that the water flowing in from its natural source had to be diverted. The garden utilises water from the dam for irrigation purposes and it a significant part in the running of the garden,” said Viljoen.

Project approved by the National Disaster Fund

“The dam is one of 34 projects approved by the National Disaster Fund to be restored after the floods in 2021,” said Municipal Manager Dr Michele Gratz. “The project costs amount to R3 264 532 with grant funding of R2 436 465 received. George Municipality budgeted for the rest of the funds.”

George Mayor Leon van Wyk said the repair work on the dam wall is to the benefit of visitors and stakeholders that may be affected in the event of dam failure.

“George is privileged to have a botanical garden and it is a great attraction for locals and for tourists.”

George Municipality is the owner of the grounds which is maintained and run by the Garden Route Botanical Garden Trust.

From left are Christiaan Viljoen, Curator of the Garden Route Botanical Garden, Nosidima Vuminidaba, Manager: Parks and Recreation at George Municipality, Doug Cooke, Trustee of the Garden Route Botanical Garden, Dr Michele Gratz, Municipal Manager, Mayor Leon van Wyk, Martin Viljoen, Chairman of the Garden Route Botanical Garden Trust and Cllr Theresa Jeyi, Portfolio Councillor for Community Services: Parks, Refuse and Environment.