Kromme Dam, Arch dam in Kareedouw, South Africa.
Kromme Dam is an arch dam built across the Kromme River in the Eastern Cape, standing 43 meters tall and stretching 247 meters in length. This concrete structure stores water by relying on its curved design to direct pressure against the surrounding rock walls.
Construction began in 1936 and faced delays during World War II before completion in 1942. This project represented a major step forward in South African water resource management during the mid-twentieth century.
The dam formation submerged Hendrik Spoorbek's farm, transforming the agricultural landscape of the Eastern Cape region into a water management zone.
The dam is accessible by road from Kareedouw and best visited during daytime to view its structure and reservoir clearly. Plan to spend a few hours walking around the site, and note that facilities in the area are limited.
General Jan Smuts officially dedicated this concrete structure in 1948, marking a milestone in South African water resource development.
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