Molteno Dam
Encyclopedia
Molteno Dam is a small but historic dam on the lower slopes of Table Mountain
in Western Cape
, South Africa
. Still in service, it was established in 1877 and is now located in the suburb of Oranjezicht, Cape Town
.
In earlier days, the infant settlement of Cape Town
had been supplied with water from Table Mountain
by way of canals or "grachts" (such as Buitengracht, Kaizergracht and Heerengracht - now major streets). When these canals had to be covered due to public health concerns, the elders of the city agreed on the need to build a dam up on the Table Mountain slope above the growing city, to store water from the mountain's springs. This water would otherwise have flowed directly into the sea - a shameful waste in the eyes of the city's administrators. Its actual construction was part of a huge expansion of infrastructure, instituted by the government of Premier John Molteno
(after whom it is named) and the mayor David Graaff (after whom the Graaff Electric Lighting Works is named).
The reservoir provided sufficient storage capacity for the young city for decades to come, until massive urbanisation in the 20th century meant drawing on the much larger Western Cape Water Supply System
. The Graaff Electric Light Works, the first powerplant in South Africa, is also located next to the reservoir.
The existing dam is in fact the second to be constructed in this spot. In 1882, the original reservoir had been accidentally breached, causing a wave of water to rush down into the city. The deluge destroyed houses, uprooted trees and swept away belongings. Following its reconstruction however, it has served Cape Town
faithfully and still supplies the city centre
today.
Table Mountain
Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town in South Africa, and is featured in the flag of Cape Town and other local government insignia. It is a significant tourist attraction, with many visitors using the cableway or hiking to the top...
in Western Cape
Western Cape
The Western Cape is a province in the south west of South Africa. The capital is Cape Town. Prior to 1994, the region that now forms the Western Cape was part of the much larger Cape Province...
, South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
. Still in service, it was established in 1877 and is now located in the suburb of Oranjezicht, Cape Town
Cape Town
Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa, and the provincial capital and primate city of the Western Cape. As the seat of the National Parliament, it is also the legislative capital of the country. It forms part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality...
.
In earlier days, the infant settlement of Cape Town
Cape Town
Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa, and the provincial capital and primate city of the Western Cape. As the seat of the National Parliament, it is also the legislative capital of the country. It forms part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality...
had been supplied with water from Table Mountain
Table Mountain
Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town in South Africa, and is featured in the flag of Cape Town and other local government insignia. It is a significant tourist attraction, with many visitors using the cableway or hiking to the top...
by way of canals or "grachts" (such as Buitengracht, Kaizergracht and Heerengracht - now major streets). When these canals had to be covered due to public health concerns, the elders of the city agreed on the need to build a dam up on the Table Mountain slope above the growing city, to store water from the mountain's springs. This water would otherwise have flowed directly into the sea - a shameful waste in the eyes of the city's administrators. Its actual construction was part of a huge expansion of infrastructure, instituted by the government of Premier John Molteno
John Charles Molteno
Sir John Charles Molteno KCMG was a soldier, businessman, champion of responsible government and the first Prime Minister of the Cape Colony.-Early life:...
(after whom it is named) and the mayor David Graaff (after whom the Graaff Electric Lighting Works is named).
The reservoir provided sufficient storage capacity for the young city for decades to come, until massive urbanisation in the 20th century meant drawing on the much larger Western Cape Water Supply System
Western Cape Water Supply System
The Western Cape Water Supply System is a complex water supply system in the Western Cape region of South Africa comprising an inter-linked system of six dams, pipelines, tunnels and distribution networks...
. The Graaff Electric Light Works, the first powerplant in South Africa, is also located next to the reservoir.
The existing dam is in fact the second to be constructed in this spot. In 1882, the original reservoir had been accidentally breached, causing a wave of water to rush down into the city. The deluge destroyed houses, uprooted trees and swept away belongings. Following its reconstruction however, it has served Cape Town
Cape Town
Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa, and the provincial capital and primate city of the Western Cape. As the seat of the National Parliament, it is also the legislative capital of the country. It forms part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality...
faithfully and still supplies the city centre
City Bowl
The City Bowl is a part of Cape Town in South Africa. It is a natural amphitheatre-shaped area bordered by Table Bay and defined by the mountains of Signal Hill, Lion's Head, Table Mountain and Devil's Peak....
today.