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Dam lease under scrutiny
process was not Developments subject to approval participation required before the lease was Jana Scheepers The future of recreational development around the Berg River Dam remains under scrutiny as the national Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) investigates the legality of the lease agreement. The investigation by the department follows an article on the leasing of the site to the Berg River Dam Adventure Tourism Company (BRDATC) for outdoor recreation and concerns raised by NGOs about the consultation process (“Dam lease clarified,” Eikestadnuus, 13 November 2025). The lease is valid for nine years and 11 months from 28 February 2024 and is not subject to automatic renewal. THE LEASE Wisane Mavasa, national DWS spokesperson, confirmed that concerns raised by members of the public prompted a site inspection by officials on 17 December 2025, which in turn led
to the investigation of the lease. She added that the lease agreement is currently being reviewed internally through legal and administrative processes as part of an investigation into its legality. The department, however, did not disclose which aspects of the lease is being investigated, but said assessing of the lease is underway to ensure it is in line with applicable governance and administrative processes. “The DWS is considering the matter in terms of a legal services opinion obtained as part of its standard governance and due diligence processes for departmental agreements,” Mavasa said. “This process forms part of routine internal controls to ensure compliance with applicable legal and administrative requirements. “The assessment focused on the conclusion of the lease agreement, including compliance with procedural requirements and the authority of the contracting parties.” According to Mavasa, a public
An archive photo of the Berg River Dam in Franschhoek. Photo: Reghard Goussard
The introduction of controlled access and entry fees has sparked unhappiness among some Franschhoek residents, who have traditionally accessed the dam area for free. Photo: Facebook
concluded, as this is not mandated under DWS’ “2020 Lease Policy or Government Regulation 654” governing recreational use of state waterworks. However, Mavasa noted that any additional approvals, such as environmental authorisation or water-use licences, would trigger a compulsory public participation process. In response to the investigation, Reghard Goussard, director of the BRDATC, said “certain administrative and contractual elements are subject to ongoing refinement through [the] agreed addenda between the [DWS and the BRDATC] to ensure longterm operational sustainability and compliance”.
COMMUNITY CONCERNS Meanwhile, the introduction of controlled access and entry fees has sparked unhappiness among some Franschhoek residents, who have traditionally accessed the dam area at no cost and now face restrictions under the new management system. Goussard said that the company is implementing a structured access system to ensure safety, maintenance and the long-term sustainability of the site. This includes the installation of access control infrastructure such as CCTV, 24-hour armed response and on-site reception rangers, as well as upgrades to access roads and stormwater management systems to mitigate flooding risks. Goussard said current permitted activities at the dam include cycling, trail running, hiking, kayaking, rowing and swimming in designated areas, along with private guided experiences and corporate events. Environmental rehabilitation has also been prioritised, he added, including alien vegeta-
tion clearing, waste removal from historic dumping, trail repairs and limiting vehicle access to environmentally sensitive areas. The Dam360 trail has been partially restored and is expected to reopen this month, Goussard pointed out. COFFEE SHOP However, some proposed developments remain subject to approval. Mavasa confirmed that the department has not received a formal application for a coffee shop at the site, which is currently being considered by the BRDATC. She emphasised that any such development would require prior approval and must comply with the National Water Act and National Environmental Management Act before it can proceed. According to Goussard, a
“small-scale, low-impact coffee offering is being considered to enhance the visitor experience”. This remains subject to all required approvals and alignment with the DWS and the approved Resource Management Plan (RMP), he explained. PUBLIC ACCESS Public access and permitted activities remain a point of contention. While dog walking is currently allowed by the BRDATC, the department stated that domestic animals are generally not permitted in conservation areas surrounding the dam, except for service animals. As the investigation into the legality of the lease continues, the Berg River Dam project remains at the centre of debate, balancing tourism development, environmental protection and public access to a historically open natural space.