SA dams comply with safety standards

LATELY the heavens showered South Africa, together with some parts of neighbouring countries such as Mozambique, Swaziland and Botswana with excessive rainfall, filling most of our major dams to capacity.

This was fuelled by the after effects of Tropical Storm Eloise that entered South Africa via Mozambique, dropping tons of water on its trail.

Affected rivers recorded a high percentage increase compared with last year’s recordings at the same time. Currently most dams are in an acceptable capacity after the heavy rains. Our dams are designed and built in such a way that they can withstand the capacity of the water.

The status of dam levels and performance currently reflect spillages.

Dams are designed and constructed in a way that they spill when a certain capacity is reached. This is meant to minimise the pressure on the dam wall by the volume of water. This action is important to ensure dam safety. Such spillage impacts on the watercourse downstream of the dam wall.

The Department of Water and Sanitation closely monitors dam capacities and river flows in real time. This is important to ensure all water infrastructure continues to operate optimally. When the need arises, the DWS has plans in place to ensure early warning to those who could be affected, working with relevant stakeholders.

The state, through the mandate and efforts of the DWS, is keeping a close watch on developments and changes around water infrastructure and water eco-systems.