Overflowing rains a boost for dam levels
Hluhluwe dam, which began overflowing two weeks ago, has remained above the 100% capacity mark, reaching 101.8% last week.
WHILE heavy rains have left a trail of destruction in communities, they have been a major boost for water storage levels in the region.
Hluhluwe dam, which began overflowing two weeks ago, has remained above the 100% capacity mark, reaching 101.8% last week.
ALSO READ: Hluhluwe dam levels improve thanks to recent rainfall
Pongolapoort and Goedertrouw dam levels have also been on a steady rise, shifting from 53.5% and 71.1% to 54.4% and 72.7% respectively.
Although the increases have been a plus for the supply system, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) urges residents not to lower their guard, but to continue using water sparingly.
This as the department looks into innovative ways to augment water scarcity concerns. These include desalination and cloud harvesting to create a secure water mix reserve.
‘What we are also doing as a department is the exploration of ways in which we can use groundwater to respond to water supply challenges,’ said DWS Spokesperson, Sputnik Ratau.
Apart from improving water levels in local dams, the recent heavy rains left a trail of damage in many communities. These damages, since 24 January, are estimated at R989-million in KZN. In some areas in the Zululand region, the harsh weather conditions have resulted in loss of life.
One person was swept away while trying to cross a flooded, low-lying bridge in KwaMyeko, Mtubatuba recently. The body of the deceased was recovered by members of the community further downstream.
Two weeks ago, Smakade Magwaza (62) and his grandson Lwandle Magwaza (8), were swept off the uThukela bridge between Kranskop and Nkandla.
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