Most parts of the country are currently experiencing a season of heavy rainfall which results in a heavy overflow of dams.
Recently, the Department of Water and Sanitation had to release a bulk of water in some of these dams as part of dam safety measures. Water was released through the opening of the sluice gates to ease the dams off pressure.
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“This is a clarion call to communities that reside near and around dams as well as in the low-lying areas, to be cautious when water is released. The heavy inflows tend to cause flash floods downstream and at low-lying areas,” said the department.
Communities are also advised to stay away from bridges and areas where there is a heavy flow of water. Motorists, too, are advised not to attempt crossing areas with a high volume of flooding water or bridges that are covered with water.
“Traditional healers and church members going to rivers and streams for spiritual purposes also need to be cautious by ensuring that the water flow and levels are of acceptable standard not to compromise the safety of fellow members,” the department said.
