Western Cape energy and water security programmes proceeding well

Premier Alan Winde convened the Western Cape Government’s Integrated Energy and Water Council on Friday, 24 April 2026, to receive updates on energy and water resilience programmes underway in the province.

Hessequa Municipality solar power project

Construction of the Riversdale Solar Power Plant, being led by the provincial government and Hessequa Municipality, is 98% complete.

This project comprises:

• 10 MW-hours of solar photovoltaic (PV) capable of generating 15 million kilowatt-hours annually.
• A battery energy storage system (BESS) with a storage capacity of 10 MW hours.
• Advanced monitoring and control systems for real-time performance tracking and optimisation.

At this rate, the project could very well be completed ahead of schedule, positioning Riversdale as a leading example of renewable energy innovation in the region and reducing the town’s dependence on Eskom power.

The Premier said that this momentum reflects the urgency with which the Western Cape Government and municipalities are investing in alternative energy solutions to meet growing power demands. 

Sediment removal

The council received a briefing from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) on its sediment removal projects at the Wolwekloof and Banhoek weirs, which form part of the Riviersonderend-Berg River system. The gradual build-up of sediment over time at water collection points, such as these weirs, significantly impacts revoir storage capacity.

The Wolwekloof weir project has been completed. “This critical project has been undertaken just in time for the winter rainfall period. By removing sediment at these two weirs, we will enhance water collection. I want to thank the Western Cape Department of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning for working closely with DWS to escalate this matter. Earth-moving equipment arrived at the Wolwekloof weir in March 2026 and teams have worked swiftly. This is partnership in action,” said Premier Winde.

Teams will in the next few days focus on the Banhoek weir, where there has also been a significant build-up of sediment. This project is expected to be completed by May 2026.

Steady progress is also being made in the raising of the Clanwiliam Dam wall.

Update on the Western Cape Water Resilience Strategy

The Western Cape Water Resilience Strategy, launched in October 2025, is now being progressively rolled out. As the Premier emphasised, “This strategy addresses both current needs and long-term sustainability. With rapid population growth, the impacts of climate change, and increasing demand, every drop of water counts. Continued periods of below-average rainfall across several catchment areas have reinforced the importance of a comprehensive, integrated approach to safeguarding our water resources. By ensuring water security through this strategy, and other programmes across multiple departments, we will also protect our economic growth.”