Massingir Dam

Massingir Dam is the second largest dam in Mozambique. It consists of a 4,500 m long and 47 m high earthfill embankment dam, retaining the water of the Olifants river. Its purpose is primarily for irrigation of the Lower Limpopo Valley. After its construction in the 1970’s, the dam exhibited important safety issues. Remediation works were conducted from 2001 to 2007. Following an exceptional flood in Mozambique in 2000, a review of the hydrology by Tractebel revealed that the spillway was unable to pass the design flood. An upgrade project encompassing an auxiliary spillway was executed from 2008 to 2014. The rehabilitation project included:

• Seepage control measures (foundation grouting, relief wells)
• Strengthening works (construction of a downstream berm at the dam toe, inverted filter and stabilizing berms on the downstream natural ground)
• Installation of 6 radial gates (12m wide; 10m high) on the main spillway

New auxiliary spillway equipped with 14 Fusegates