Vaal, Bloemhof and Hazelmere sluice gates opened
The Department of Water and Sanitation has decided to open five sluice gates at the Vaal, Bloemhof, and Hazelmere Dams on Tuesday after the reservoirs reached capacity.
The decision comes after heavy downpours in several provinces that caused localised flooding in some areas.
Departmental spokesperson Sputnik Ratau says they will be releasing water downstream to Bloemhof.
“The Vaal which supplies most parts of Gauteng is now standing at 110,5% while Bloemhof Dam is at 106,9%. There are further recommendations from the DWS hydrology experts that there be releases from the Bloemhof Dam, which is downstream of the Vaal Dam.”
Ratau says warned downstream communities about the imminent increase of outflow from the dams.
“Residents are warned to steer clear of the dam areas. Communities with equipment in and near the dams are asked to remove them to ensure that no damage is caused.”
Meanwhile, the department will be releasing water in KwaZulu-Natal despite localised flooding that killed 2 people and left several missing.
“Matters in KwaZulu-Natal are also at a critical level with much localised flooding being experienced. A decision has been reached for Umgeni Water to release water from the Hazelmere Dam.
“The level in the dam has overnight reached beyond 65% and will be reduced to 53%; this is necessitated by the ongoing work to raise the dam wall, therefore the reduction to 53% or lower is a safety measure while the work is continuing.”
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