HP0025

Did You Know?

Kalkfontein besproeingsdam, located near Koffiefontein in the Free State province, was constructed in 1938 as an irrigation dam. The name 'Kalkfontein' refers to a lime-rich spring (kalk meaning lime in Afrikaans), which historically supplied water to the area. The dam was built during a period of agricultural expansion in South Africa, when the government promoted irrigation schemes to support farming in semi-arid regions like the Free State. Koffiefontein itself is a small town established in the late 19th century, known primarily for its diamond mining history. The town's name is derived from a coffee-colored spring (koffie meaning coffee). The Kalkfontein dam served local farmers by providing a reliable water source for crop irrigation, contributing to the region's agricultural development during the early 20th century. While specific records about the dam's construction and usage are limited, it reflects the broader trend of water management infrastructure built in South Africa during the 1930s. The dam is part of the Orange River basin, which supports extensive irrigation in the Free State. Today, it remains a small-scale water feature in the area, though its historical significance lies in its role in supporting early 20th-century farming communities.

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