Tebogo Msimanga |
Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) released water from the Vaal Dam on Thursday, 11 February 2021, in anticipation of rainfalls expected over the Orange River system.
These rains would be as a result of the activities that are building up in the Mozambican Channel, which are expected to impact on the orange river System.
Departmental Spokesperson Sputnik Ratau said the Vaal dam is rapidly filling up and it will continue to receive inflow from the upper Vaal.
“The opening of the three sluice gates was to release water in order to protect the infrastructure and to ensure the Vaal dam continues to operate optimally” said Ratau.
According to the department analysis, there was a need for the opening of the three gates and that a fourth gate might be opened as and when the need arises. Presently, the Vaal dam is hovering around 106%, having surpassed 100% mark.