Save the Riet River and Doring River in Ceres

There are plans for the construction of two dams—the New Toeka Dam (with a capacity of 2,000,000m³) and the New Harmony Dam (with a capacity of 250,000m³) on Farm Houdenbek No. 415 in Ceres, Western Cape.
These dams are planned to be built alongside the Houdenbek River, with the intention of pumping water from the river into the reservoirs. The newly constructed and raised dam wall of the existing dam on the Houdenbek River has already significantly disrupted the downstream flow of water. This has severely impacted the Rietrivier in the Swartruggens Conservancy, as well as the Doring River, which ultimately flows to the West Coast of the Cape Province.
The construction of these new dams will significantly worsen the environmental damage. Altering the river system threatens the delicate ecological balance, endangering native fish, amphibians, birds, and plant species that depend on the river for survival. Many of these species are already vulnerable or endangered, with some found only in this region. Continued habitat degradation will push them to extinction. For instance, the endangered Romulea lilacina flower, unique to the Ceres area and already faces the risk of extinction.
We strongly urge you to voice your opposition to this project. It is crucial that we act collectively to protect the river system and the Swartruggens Conservancy from further harm.
Please submit your objection to EnviroAfrica before close of business on 12 September 2024, by emailing. Additionally, we encourage you to share this petition with other organizations that may be able to lend their support.
Your action today can help preserve the biodiversity and ecological integrity of this precious region for future generations.

jgreyling0@gmail.com, Contact: lian@enviroafrica.co.za and info@enviroafrica.co.za    Contact the author of the petition