The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has assured all communities, water users, and stakeholders affected by upstream slope damage at Bloemhof Dam that the matter is being actively managed and remains under continuous oversight by the engineering and technical specialists.
“A contractor is already on site and is undertaking the necessary maintenance preparations under the direct guidance of departmental experts. Whilst monitoring dam safety issues at Bloemhof Dam, dams in the integrated Vaal River System are being operated at elevated dam levels to ensure water security in the system.
“This was done being mindful of a need to manage floods when they present themselves in the system. Bloemhof Dam is currently at 109%,” the department said in a statement on Wednesday.
According to the department’s rehabilitation assessment, repair work at the dam can only begin when a dry working area is created.
The department said it will steadily start releasing water to lower the dam to full supply level (100%).
Communities are assured that the amount of water to be released will not cause flooding downstream.
“To achieve this, a release of 400 m3/s (cubic meters per second) will be commenced until the target level is achieved. This is expected to be within a week or two,” the department said.
Further analyses are currently underway to establish the dam level at which the objectives of dam safety, water security and flood management can be balanced.
However, the department noted that dam safety takes precedence and should a directive be received from the Dam Safety Office to maintain the dam at a specific level, it will be legally binding for the department to operate Bloemhof Dam accordingly.
The department reaffirmed its commitment to transparent communication and engaging stakeholders and provide regular updates as the maintenance programme progresses.
“The public can be assured that every effort is being made to complete the repairs as quickly and safely as possible, while safeguarding the long-term resilience of this strategic water resource,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
