Molteno Dam, Embankment dam on Table Mountain slopes, Cape Town, South Africa.
Molteno Dam is an embankment dam on the slopes near Table Mountain, stretching 285 meters in length and rising 21 meters above its base. The structure holds water for Cape Town's supply system and sits within the city's residential neighborhoods.
The structure was built in 1881 during the Cape Colony period to meet the city's growing water demands. Within a decade, a serious breach caused widespread flooding throughout Cape Town, marking a major crisis in the city's water infrastructure.
The reservoir is named after John Molteno, the first Premier of the Cape Colony, honoring his role in developing regional water management. It remains a reminder of how early infrastructure shaped the city's growth and connection to mountain resources.
The dam sits in the hills above the city center and can be reached on foot or by car depending on your starting point. The terrain is hilly, so sturdy shoes are recommended for exploring the surroundings.
Few people know that the dam sits near hiking trails leading toward Table Mountain with sweeping views over the city. The location blends water infrastructure with natural mountain surroundings in an unexpected way.
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