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The opening of additional sluice gates has sparked mixed reactions from local residents and business owners.
Picture; Nigel Sibanda
The Vaal Dam has reached a concerning 120.69% capacity as of Saturday, according to the latest Vaal Dam and Vaal Barrage Hydrological Information.
This represents an increase of 2.21% since Friday, when the department of water and sanitation (DWS) opened the 10th sluice gate as the dam water levels reached a critical rate of 118.48%.
The decision to open additional gates follows a dramatic surge in water levels, with the dam increasing by approximately 6.36 percentage points in a single 24-hour period leading up to Friday’s action.
Heavy rainfall in the region has been the primary driver of these rising water levels, necessitating the evacuation of residents in lower-lying areas.
Current Vaal Dam water levels
The latest data shows the Vaal Dam with a substantial inflow of 2 214.5m³/s and an outflow of 2 116.0m³/s, though officials note that the outflow figures are still pending confirmation.
With all 10 gates now open and no river valves in operation, authorities are working to manage the rapidly rising easing water levels.
“Downstream at the Vaal Barrage, water levels stand at 6.9 metres with matching outflow rates of 2 116.0m³/s, also awaiting confirmation.”
The water temperature at the barrage has been recorded at 15.5°C.
ALSO READ: WATCH: 10th sluice gate opened at the Vaal Dam
Community reaction to Vaal Dam sluice gates opening
The opening of additional sluice gates has sparked mixed reactions from local residents and business owners.
Many community members have expressed dissatisfaction with the decision.
“The decision was disastrous,” said one local resident, reflecting the sentiment of others in the affected areas.
ALSO READ: ‘It’s a disaster’: Residents concerned as Vaal Dam opens 10th sluice gate [VIDEO]
However, not everyone viewed the opening of the 10th sluice gate negatively.
One business owner told The Citizen that he saw this move as a business opportunity because people would be coming in to look at the river flowing into the dam.
Vaal Dam flood management challenges
Thursday had already seen six gates opened as part of the flood management strategy, but rapidly rising water levels forced authorities to take additional measures.
The DWS continues to monitor the situation closely as it attempts to balance dam safety with downstream flooding concerns.
The continued heavy rainfall and subsequent rise of water levels have presented significant challenges for both authorities and residents alike, with evacuation efforts ongoing in the most vulnerable areas.
NOW READ: Flood warnings as 10th Vaal Dam sluice gate to be opened [VIDEO]
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