The Department of Water and Sanitation said the ongoing rainfall has necessitated the opening of the fourth sluice gate at the Vaal Dam, as a measure to manage water levels.
According to a statement by the Department, the dam’s water levels have risen to 107.82%.
“The outflows will increase from 400 to approximately 550 cubic metres per second.
The current water releases by the four sluice gates are still withing the safe operational limits and are not expected to lead to overtopping of riverbanks downstream,” read the statement.
In addition, the department is also anticipating the increased outflows from Vaal Dam to reach Bloemhof Dam in a maximum of four days.
“This will result in water levels rising at the Bloemhof and overtopping of the riverbanks and they will affect all those at the riverbanks downstream at the Lower Vaal Catchment,” cautioned the department.
Residents situated closer to the Vaal Dam are advised to move their valuables which include equipment, movable infrastructure, and livestock amongst others, to avert damages during a potential flood incident.
The Department sought to assure the public that continuous measures are being implemented to be able to control the water releases, and that it will constantly monitor the water levels in the Vaal River System.
