The communities of Jozini and surrounding areas are advised of the upcoming annual dam water release at the Pongolapoort Dam, popularly known as Jozini Dam, north of KwaZulu-Natal by the Department of Water and Sanitation as from Monday 14 November 2022 and will finish on the 13 December 2022.
The annual dam water release from the Pongolapoort Dam is part of the department’s operational rule in accordance with the 85% dam safety operational rule.
The annual dam water release from Pongolapoort Dam was last done in 2014. It was halted because of the drought that the KZN was experiencing since 2015. The dam water release normally happens during the October month of every year.
In April 2022, the KZN experienced high rainfall that resulted in flooding parts of KZN. Rains experienced at the beginning of 2022 resulted in an increase of the dam’s capacity.
The continuing water inflows into the dam has caused the dam to rise to 78,9% of capacity as off this week, and thus the need for the release.
Water from the dam will be released at the rate of 16 cubic meters per second with a weekly variation depending on the expected inflows. The DWS will continue to monitor the performance of the dam inclusive of all such inflows of the dam.
With the flood hydrograph and the prevailing initial hydrological conditions on the floodplains, it is estimated that the release will be able to address its objectives.
While the DWS will operate and ensure the dam remains safe and operating optimally, it is critical for the communities downstream to be made aware that there is a need for water releases that will lead to possible flooding of their areas of work or habitat.
The department has also consulted the neighbouring country of Mozambique of the initial flood release from the dam.
The communities of Jozini and surrounding areas are warned of the high-water volumes emanating from the dam water release. This will lead to an increase of the water levels of the river, filling of the flood plains with a potential impact on low level bridges, subsistence farming, water pumping infrastructure, housing and agriculture.
Positive responses to warnings of imminent flooding and necessary evacuation if need will assist in ensuring safety of lives and livelihoods.
For more information, contact:
Sputnik Ratau
Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation
Cell: 082 874 2942
