The Emfuleni local municipality has appealed to members of the public to be on high alert for possible flooding due to the high water levels in the Vaal Dam.
Persistent rain over the past week has seen high water flow into the Vaal Dam, resulting in the dam’s management opening all eight sluice gates to allow free flow of water downstream. The water flow is said to be almost seven times higher than the normal flow.
“The Emfuleni local municipality would like to warn community members to be on high alert for possible flooding due to the high water levels. Communities are advised not to panic but to avoid low lying areas nearby the rivers and also not to cross any lower water bridges if water is overflowing the bridge. Motorists should try and avoid certain roads such as the Golf Road where it crosses the Klip River,” read a statement from the municipality.
Residents in Vosloopark, where the Klip River joins the Vaal River, have been asked to be on high alert because the Klip River is already overflowing in certain areas. All boat owners have been asked to remove their boats from the water even if they are in boathouses on the river.
The municipality’s emergency services and disaster management teams have been placed on call to deal with any emergencies.
“The Ekurhuleni local municipality would like to assure community members that all its emergency services and disaster management teams are on high alert to provide the necessary should water levels continue to rise. The teams are closely monitoring the situation.”
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
29 January 2010
Source: Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.gautengonline.gov.za/)
