According to the spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation, Wisane Mavasa, the dam levels have also stopped increasing. 

On Wednesday 22 February 2023, the department stated that water levels are rising rapidly at the Bloemhof Dam as inflow from the upstream Vaal River increased. This necessitated the gradual increase in outflow releases at the dam, to 3800 cubic meters per second. 

In the latest update, the 12 gates at the Vaal Dam remain open and outflow at the Bloemhof Dam will be kept at 3800 cubic metres per second. Mavasa stated at the Lower Orange and Lower Vaal Rivers, the flow has not peaked yet and farmers and communities along that river system should expect water levels to rise for the next few days.

ALSO READ: Residents, farmers along river banks warned – VIDEO

Communities are continuously warned to stay vigilant, evacuate where necessary and not return to the flooded areas until water levels decrease. OFM News earlier reported that the Department of Water and Sanitation urged residents living or operating on the banks of the Vaal River and Orange River to consider moving to higher-lying areas for safety reasons, as water levels continue to increase and the inflow of water into the Vaal River on Wednesday still amounted to about 3 800 cubic metres per second. 

According to Mavasa, the acting director-general for the department, Leonard Marius, expressed concern about the current state of affairs and said the water levels of the Vaal River would have to be lowered for conditions to improve.

ALSO READ: North West communities urged to be cautious amid heavy rains

Communities throughout the North West province, especially those in low-lying areas, have been urged to exercise caution as the province continues to experience heavy rainfall. The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Nono Maloyi, said the heavy rain caused flooding in areas such as Tswaing, Mahikeng, Rustenburg, Moretele, Matlosana, JB Marks and Lekwa Teemane municipalities. "The most affected communities are those living in flood-prone areas, such as below flood lines, in wetlands, and in residential areas surrounded by water dams." 

Maloyi added that Cogta, through the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC), has activated a team across all local and district municipalities to assist communities affected by the floods, according to the South African Government's news agency.

OFM News