About Kouga Dam
Kouga Dam forms the centrepiece of the Gamtoos water scheme, which Gamtoos Water operates under contract with the Department of Water and Sanitation. A vigilant approach to management and maintenance has ensured that water losses amount to less than 8% from this open system. Kouga means ‘hippopotamus’ in the Khoi language.

Fast Facts
First:
Kouga Dam is the first double curvature (cupola) arch dam in South Africa.

1957
Construction started
1969
Opened in 1969
Former Name:
Paul Sauer Dam

Catchment Area:
388 700ha
34km
Length of dam basin.
555ha
Surface area (full)
133 million m³
Total capacity
94.5m
Height

53m
Maximum water depth
10.2m
Maximum wall thickness
125.5 million m³
Dam capacity when full

60.188 million m³ per annum
Water supply to farmers
