Flavour of the Month Nov 2011: Sunset Dam

[Richprins]

Ja, I don't think it's the same old algae at Sunset now!

Thanks, Robert!

[Richprins]

Water supply working 13/07/2013:

[leachy]

was at sunset dam 2 days ago

very low water level







as you can see the water that used to be pumped into sunset dam via this inlet
is not working.....





maybe that is why they were drilling for water across the road from the dam ?????

[Richprins]

[Flutterby]

A sad sight!

[Richprins]

Hey, leachy!

SANParks have at first replied that closing Sunset Dam is part of the reduction in artificial waterpoints, as per blowing up the boreholes etc.

Firstly, I don't know if this is the actual reason, as the dam in question is an emergency water reserve for LS camp...or was...

Secondly, letting it die is pointless, as the perennial river is a few metres away...it will have no impact whatsoever other than killing a zillion fish and other aquatic animals, and forcing a number of hippo and croc to seek residence elsewhere, probably resulting in more deaths...

[Flutterby]

It would be really sad if it was closed!

[Richprins]

I think it's just a maintenance thing for the moment...as in tired of maintenance!

This applies to flood-damaged/broken dams and broken windmills all over Kruger, IMO, and is quite a convenient response!

The thing is, Sunset Dam has never been earmarked for destruction, and is a MASSIVE tourist attraction!

Imagine this skeleton of an icon lying there for visitors to peruse as they exit/enter LS over the years to come.

No quick dynamite to fix this one!

[Richprins]

SP have replied that the cables to the dam's pump were defective, and thanks to viewers for reporting it...

Should be a story up tomorrow...

[Flutterby]

I sent a query to SP about this but got no reply.