Kouga Dam

The Kouga Dam is an arch dam located on the Kouga River, about 21 km (13 mi) west of Patensie in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Primarily serving for irrigation and domestic water supply, it forms the Kouga Dam reservoir, which is the main source of water for the Gamtoos Valley irrigation area.

Completed in 1969, the dam is a double-curvature arch dam, a design chosen for its suitability to the narrow gorge in which it is built. It has a height of 82 meters (269 ft) and a crest length of 320 meters (1,050 ft). The dam wall contains approximately 270,000 cubic meters of concrete.

Water released from the Kouga Dam also serves to supplement the water supply of Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha) via a series of canals and pipelines. The dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in a region prone to drought.

The surrounding area offers recreational opportunities, including boating and fishing, although these activities are subject to regulations regarding water levels and conservation efforts. The Kouga Dam is an important component of the region's infrastructure and contributes significantly to its agricultural productivity and economic stability.