The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) closed the last of the five sluice gates that were opened at the Vaal Dam on 4 March following the desired reduction in water inflows into the dam according to a press statement by the department. The DWS says, “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 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 on the morning of 04 March 2021 determined that sufficient water outflow from the Vaal Dam was taking place to allow the closure of the fifth and last gate. The other four gates were closed over the previous 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.
