The Water and Sanitation department (DWS) has warned communities around the North West to stay clear of rivers, streams, canals, and dams during the rainy seasons as it anticipates opening dam walls in order to reduce water levels.
The department said it expects water released from the likes of Bloemhof and Vaal dams to move at a high speed and to possibly flood some of the rivers.
Water affairs spokesperson Wisane Mavasa said the department will be taking some safety precautions as it starts releasing water from dams,
“We caution the North West communities to stay clear of rivers, streams, canals, and dams during these rainy seasons.
“The communities of Bloemhof and surrounding areas in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality are warned of the high-water volumes emanating from the Bloemhof dam water release and the department further alerts all communities especially in downstream areas to stay clear of the Dam and avoid low level bridges as they are slippery at this time, said Mavasa.
According to DWS Hydrological Services, six flood gates had been opened from the Vaal Dam leading to high-water volumes emanating from the dam water release, prompting an increase of the Bloemhof Dam outflow, from 1000m3/s to a further 1200m3/s on Wednesday.
She said the department will operate and ensure that the dam remains safe and functions optimally, hence it is critical for the communities downstream to be made aware that there is a need for water releases.
She has added that Taung dam has remained on the same level of 102.1% since last week, with a rise of provincial dam levels as it pours continuously.
The warning comes as various parts of the country including Gauteng and Limpopo are experiencing severe flooding.
