More Vaal sluice gates opened, residents urged to evacuate
The Department of Water and Sanitation has opened six sluice gates to manage the water inflow of 2056.50 cubic metres per second of water flowing into the dam.
This as heavy rains continue to pour in most parts of the country.
The department spokesperson Wisani Mabasa said water outflows at Bloemhof Dam have also risen incrementally.
"These adjustments are necessary to manage the continuous rising inflows and safe operation of the Vaal and Bloemhof Dams which were sitting at 113.54% and 107.30% by midday."
"There are potential plans to further increase outflows from both dams on Friday."
One sluice gate remains opened at Grootdraai Dam, and the storage capacity is at 105.71%, with inflows of 141.72 m³/s.
In the Orange River, the Gariep and the Vandekloof Dams are currently sitting at 107.13% and 105.3% respectively and overspilling.
Mavasa called on people living within the flood line downstream of the Vaal and Bloemhof Dams to evacuate or to avoid the flooded areas as the river catchment remains oversaturated.
Earlier this month, during her visit to the Bloemhof Dam, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina told residents along the Vaal River, in the North West, that the government would not be taking any responsibility for any losses and damages experienced by the people living along the flood lines.
