Prior to the construction of dams and the extensive use of irrigation systems to water their crops, the farmers and, indeed, the whole population, was subject to the whims of an erratic vengeful weather. The first white inhabitants to experience this affliction were the 1820 Settlers themselves compelling many of them to abandon their farms and migrate to the adjacent towns.

In order to mitigate the effect of a drought and the consequent recession, the authorities in the 1880s implemented the very first measures to mitigate the effects on the residents in Port Elizabeth.   

Main picture: When the Baakens was a lagoon with the first unsuccessful breakwater in the background.

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