They were constructed between 1896 and 1907 in order to supply Cape Town with water.
Cape Town has since grown to such an extent that the water requirements far exceed the capacities of the dams. However, they add such beauty to the mountain top and some interesting history too. The waterworks museum found at 800m on the top of Table Mountain contains fascinating memorabilia from the dam construction. From original tools and photographs to an entire steam engine!!.
It is amazing to think that this steam engine was imported from the UK, dismantled on arrival at the docks and then transported up the mountain via a pulley system at Kasteelspoort. Once reassembled on top it was used to transport all the materials required for the dam construction across the mountain top. All these materials (including the coal to drive the train) were also hauled up the mountain via the Kasteelpoort pulley.
References… http://www.ridgwayramblers.co.za/blog/the-dams-on-table-mountain
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