Water and Sanitation closes the last five sluice gates at Vaal Dam

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has today, 04 March 2021, closed the last of the five sluice gates that were opened at the Vaal Dam following the desired reduction in water inflows into the dam.

Three gates were opened on 11 February 2021 and another two on the 12th February to raise the outflows out of the dam following rapid increases in its levels to above 100%.

The closure today of the last gate is after a decision by the Vaal Orange River System (VORS) Extreme Flood Management Committee, which has been monitoring the dam on a daily basis.

Department spokesperson, Sputnik Ratau, said the assessment by the VORS this morning of 04 March 2021 determined that sufficient water outflow from the Vaal Dam is taking place to allow the closure of the fifth and last gate. The other four gates were closed over the last two weeks, guided by the dam’s levels, as well as the amounts of inflows and outflows.

“We are pleased to say the release of the water has taken place safely, with no incidents of flooding or damage to property being reported. This is testimony to the fact that the Department adheres to the highest safety standards when carrying out work such as this”, said Ratau.

The sluice gates were previously opened in 2017, 2015 and 2012.

Enquiries:
Sputnik Ratau
Cell: 082 874 2942

Hosia Sithole
Cell: 082 723 2442

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