The rising dam levels resulting from heavy inflows into the Vaal Dam from the upstream catchment has necessitated the Department to activate more controlled water releases in the Vaal River System today.
As such, two more sluice gates will be opened in a staggered manner at 10:00 and 16:00 respectively.
The third sluice gate was opened yesterday at 16:00 to manage the water outflows which are now at 461.090 cubic metres per second (m3/s).
As of this morning, Vaal Dam is at 111.64% of storage capacity. Therefore, by afternoon, five sluice gates will be open to manage the water inflow of 1 332.51 m3/s coming from the upper catchment.
Bloemhof Dam: Water outflows are also being increased incrementally at different times from 800 m3/s to 1050 m3/s at 09:00; 1300 m3/s at 11:00; 1550 m3/s at 13:00; and to 1800 m3/s at 15:00.
These adjustments are necessary to manage the continuous rising inflows and safe operation of the dam which is at 106.71% today. Inflows into the dam are estimated at 1 390 m3/s as of this morning.
Grootdraai Dam: One sluice gate has now been opened at Grootdraai Dam, and the storage capacity is at 105.71%, with inflows of 141.72 m³/s.
Gariep & Vanderkloof Dams: Both overspilling at 107.13% and 105.3% respectively. Flooding risk is HIGH along the Vaal and Orange Rivers.
The controlled and uncontrolled water releases at all these dams will lead to overtopping of riverbanks downstream of the Orange and the Vaal Rivers, resulting in flooding of settlements that are in the lower-lying areas within the 1 in 100-year floodline. Evacuations are in place, and residents are urged to avoid flooded zones.
With more rain forecasted in the Upper Vaal Catchment, the Department continues to monitor and manage dam levels to prevent infrastructure failure and protect lives.
BY LUCKY SEANEGO
