SOUTH AFRICA OPEN TWO VAAL DAM DUE TO CATCHMENT INFLOW

The Department and Water and Sanitation (DWS) in South Africa has opened two sluice gates at the Vaal Dam due to increased inflows from feeding catchments.

The increased inflow in the catchment area has become an alarming effect that needs urgent attention that was why the two gates where opened.

According to the department, “Three gates from the five that had been opened previously had been closed.

It said this was due to the continued rain in the catchments feeding the Vaal-Orange River System and the Integrated Vaal River System. There has been an increased in inflows.

According to the department, to manage and protect infrastructure, the department said it took the decision to keep a total of four gates open for now.

Department spokesperson Sputnik Ratau warned downstream communities of the imminent increase of outflow from the dams and a rise in the Vaal River.

According to him, “Farmers are asked to remove equipment that may be damaged due to the outflow. This is also a warning for communities to ensure that children are not swimming near the stream.

“The department will continue to monitor the volumes, but the sluice gates will remain open until further notice,” Ratau said.

SOURCE: SANews