Canals : Rock-masonry

A 25m stretch of the 7 km canal was on the verge of collapse, owing to undermining and scouring from flood waters. Rock-masonry was used to effect the repairs as rocks were in abundant supply.

Tongwane River Gorge, Limpopo, South Africa - Client : Fanang Diatla Selfhelp Scheme - Designed and built by Dams for Africa, July 2003

(1) Before - the earth beneath the old canal has been washed away by flood waters.

(2) Pillars are constructed at intervals to support the walls of the old canal.

(3) Mma Agnes Qwabe, founder of Fanang Diatla Selfhelp Scheme, seated at the end of the canal - where it transitions to a pipeline.

(4) After - the restored canal - the sides are now fully supported. Note the spillway at the beginning, which returns the water to the river if the pipe is blocked.