Staff Reporter.
The Department of water and sanitation department has opened another four sluice gates at the Vaal Dam after heavy rains and flooding.
Heavy rains have caused many rivers and dams to overflow. Water levels in the Vaal and Orange River system have risen rapidly requiring more of the Vaal Dam’s sluice gates to be opened.
According to department spokesperson Wisane Mavasa, it brings to 10 the number of sluice gates that were opened at the Vaal Dam.
She said the department might open more sluice gates if heavy rains persist.
“We appeal to the farmers to be extra careful when the water levels rise, especially along the river system. They should adjust their water pumps and remove livestock and equipment out and away from the riverbanks. We also appeal to the general community to avoid fishing or swimming during heavy rains,” she warned.
Mavasa added that the department had flood monitoring and forecasting systems that enabled it to assess the likelihood of flood incidents and its preparedness to respond effectively.
“All gauging equipment at sites used for flood monitoring are equipped with real-time river and dam level data transmission capability. These data are analysed to determine rainfall, river, and dam level trends, enabling detection of the possibility and timing of flooding,” she said.
The department will put measures in place to ensure the floods are managed effectively.