2 February 2006
The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) and Rand Water said
today, Thursday, 2 February 2006, that the Vaal River is 95% full and still
rising. The Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry, Ms Buyelwa Sonjica, said
that it is anticipated that the dam will reach the hundred per cent (100%)
level by 5 or 6 February 2006 and it may exceed the 100% level even if no
further rain falls and if no water is released from the dam.
Minister Sonjica further stated that one sluice was opened on 1 February
2006 and a second one at 08:00 on 2 February as a precautionary measure. The
total release rate is 200m3/s, which is a relatively small release for the Vaal
River and it will be well contained within the river section. This release will
be maintained as long as required. One gate was again closed at 12:00
today.
According to Minister Sonjica there is no cause for concern as the situation
should rather be seen as a celebration. The Minister said âthis is a long
awaited event. The last time we were in a position to release water from a full
Vaal Dam was in March 2002. A month ago the Vaal Dam was still at 34%
capacityâ. She furthermore said that the releases from the Vaal Dam will
improve the situation of Bloemhof Dam which is currently on 28% and very much
in need of this water.
Francois van Wyk, head of Catchment Management at Rand Water said that
residents in the Vaal Triangle should be aware of these changes in the river
flow and take extra care when using the river for recreational activities
especially during this period.
Mr Van Wyk said that the last time the Vaal Dam was 100% full was March 2002
with minimum release. During the heavy rains in 2000 eight sluice gates had to
be opened to release the excess water.
Mr Van Wyk further confirmed that as the water is released from the Vaal Dam
the equivalent flow would be released from the Vaal Barrage.
Enquiries:
Amelius Muller
Department of Water Affairs and Forestry
Tel: (012) 336 8746
Cell: 082 807 4341
Tendani Tsedu
Rand Water Media Relations Officer
Tel: (011) 682 0724
Cell: 082 389 2050
Issued by: Department of Water Affairs and Forestry
2 February 2006
