About Kouga Dam

Kouga Dam forms the centrepiece of the Gamtoos water scheme, which the Gamtoos Irrigation Board 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.

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FAST FACTS

1957

Construction started

1969

Opened in 1969

34km

Length of dam basin.

555ha

Surface area (full)

133 million m³

Total capacity

94.5m

Height

53m

Maximum water depth