The Dam was constructed on the Mhlathuze River, near Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal, in 1980 (commissioned in 1982).

It is principally for the provision of water to the industrial complex at Richards Bay.

It also serves as a reservoir for irrigation and domestic use.

The hazard potential of the dam has been ranked high (3).

This article about a dam or floodgate in South Africa is a stub.