Annual water release from Pongolapoort dam
The release was last conducted in 2014 owing to the drought experienced in KZN
COMMUNITIES are warned of high water levels and possible flooding as a result of water being released from Pongolapoort dam this week until 14 December.
The alert was issued by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in KZN as it conducts an annual release to ease pressure on the dam, popularly known as Jozini dam.
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“The annual dam water release from Pongolapoort dam is part of the department’s operational rule in accordance with the 85% dam safety operational rule,” said DWS spokesperson Sputnik Ratau.
The release was last conducted in 2014 owing to the drought experienced in KZN.
“It normally happens every year in October. Rains experienced at the beginning of 2022 resulted in an increase of the dam’s capacity.
“The continuing water inflows into the dam have caused the dam to rise to 78.9% of capacity as of this week, thus the need for the release,” said Ratau.
The department is consulting with neighbouring country Mozambique regarding the initial release from the dam.
“This will lead to an increase of water levels in the river, filling the floodplains and potentially impacting low-level bridges, subsistence farming, water pumping infrastructure, housing and agriculture.
“Positive responses to warnings of imminent flooding and necessary evacuation if needed will assist in ensuring safety of lives and livelihoods,” said Ratau.
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