The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the Department of Water Affairs in Mpumalanga, would like to issue a word of special warning to people living in Standerton, around the Grootdraai Dam catchment in the Lekwa municipality to be on full alert, as the sluice gates have been opened to release water.
The opening of the sluice gates has been necessitated by the heavy down pours with reports of over 100 millimetres in areas close to Morgenzon and 75 millimetres in Predekop as reported on Tuesday night. These heavy down pours have led to the dam rising to 110.1 percent.
There is no immediate danger that has been caused by the opening of the sluice gates; however it is imperative that communities are extremely cautious. Joint Operations Committee has been established in the municipality and they are monitoring the situation.
MEC for the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Norman Mokoena has also advised all municipalities surrounding the Lekwa municipality and throughout the province to be on full alert for any possible flooding as the rains continue to pour in the area.
“We urge people living in low lying areas and next to flood lines to be extremely cautious. People must move away from river banks and they must avoid crossing full rivers and over flowing bridges” added Mokoena.
Communities are urged to report any possible floods or storms, to the department’s disaster toll free number 0800 202 507.
Contact Persons:
Simphiwe Kunene
Cell: 082 4133 931
Themba Khoza
Cell: 082 600 5666
Issued by: Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mpumalanga Provincial Government
28 January 2010
