Heritage Cases

The Orlando Power station Dam is over 80 years old; hence the structure is failing due to old age, erosion, vandalism, overgrown vegetation thus compromising the function of the infrastructure. The proposed rehabilitation works will essentially be rehabilitating of the existing structures. Reconstruction of the embankment crest might result in a nominal increase in height of the embankment. The existing spillway crest levels will remain as it is currently. The water level in the reservoir will therefore remain unchanged. The upgrades to the spillway will repair the damaged lining. The spillway capacity will unchanged  The holding capacity of the Dam has been compromised due to siltation and overgrown vegetation within the Dam infrastructure The dam is 21 hectares in size however only 3.85 hectares is being proposed for rehabilitation where the dam embankment and spillway have deteriorated or failed. The aim of the project is to address erosion and flooding of the Dam, its basin and immediate surroundings by implementing stabilization and remedial works of the Orlando PS Dam. This will allow for the best positive change in the health of the stream and thereby increasing its Ecological Importance. Need and Desirability of the Proposed Project include among others:  The statutory third dam safety inspection of Orlando dam was carried including the latest one from 2019 recommended that rehabilitation measures be implemented to ensure the continued safe functioning of the dam: Several findings were made with regards to the condition of the dam. The dam was found to be in generally a poor condition with excessive vegetation on the embankment slopes and visible seepage at the downstream toe of the embankment. Benching has also occurred at the upstream slope as a result of erosion due to wave action. The Rehabilitation of the Dam will address areas of concern outlined above.  Dams provide a range of economic, environmental, and social benefits, including recreation, flood control, water supply. Currently the dam is used for recreational fishing by the community. There is a need to rehabilitate the Dam to ensure safety of lives and damage to property is very critical.  The remedial works will keep residences and infrastructure within the immediate vicinity of the Orlando PS Dam from the risk of the dam failing and causing a massive flooding that can cause damage to property  Job creations and skills transfer during construction Overall, rehabilitation will inter alia address erosion, flooding, Siltation, infrastructure failure and alien species invasions.