The Molteno reservoir
The Molteno reservoir can be found on the lower slope of Table Mountain. It is a small but historic dam that was established in 1877. Since the Settlers arrived water to the new city had been supplied from Table Mountain streams via canals or “grachts” such as Buitengracht, Kaizergracht, and Heerengracht which are now names of the main streets The canals had to be covered due to health concerns.
By the late 1860s, Cape Town was facing water restrictions. The expanding population caused demand that called for a dam to be constructed on the slopes of Table Mountain which would be fed by mountain springs.
The nearby Molteno Spring is one of over 20 springs located in the city bowl. These form part of the natural waterway originally known as Camissa “Sweet Waters” in the Khoi Khoi language.
There is currently a citizen-activated community programme to restore the city’s historic water systems, of which the dam formed a small but important part.
The construction of the dam as part of infrastructure expansion was started by Prime Minister at the time John Molteno. He also appointed John Gamble as the first water engineer for the city.
The mayor at the time was David Graaff who began the first power plant in South Africa. “The Graaff electric lighting works”, A hydroelectric and steam power plant which is now decommissioned.
The dam was designed to hold 50,000,000 gallons of water. However sandy porous clay in the area presented a challenge. The solution that was found years later involved some excavation and embankments supported by masonry.
Unfortunately, a disaster occurred in the 1880s. The reservoir overfilled and breached the rim, causing a wave of water to rush down into the city. The deluge destroyed houses, uprooted trees, and swept away people’s belongings
There was enough capacity in the dam for some decades until some exponential growth in the early 20th century. Cape Town had to draw water from the larger Cape system. While the greater city has far outgrown it, the dam is still used as part of the city’s modern water system, supplying the Company’s Garden among other areas.
John Charles Molteno.
John Charles Molteno was influential in many spheres in the Cape. He was the first premier of the Cape Colony. Molteno was born in 1814 in England and he emigrated to the Cape in 1831. In 1837 he became a wool trader in the Karoo. He fought in the War of the Axe in 1846 and then continued with his businesses until he was elected to the first Cape parliament in 1854. He became known as the Lion of Beaufort. A strong champion of responsible government. He became Prime Minister in 1872 and was in office until 1878. He resigned because of differences with Governor Sir Bartle Frere. John Molteno was Colonial Secretary from 1881 to 1882 He died in 1886.
For more information contact Molteno Reservoir Heritage Association moltenoreservoirassociation@gmail.com
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