The heavy rains in Gauteng have seen the Vaal Dam reach its maximum capacity, prompting the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to announce it was opening one sluice gate on Tuesday.
The DWS warned that it was important for all the farmers and other communities downstream of the dam to move their equipment away from expected heavy flows.
People should not take chances to cross low-lying bridges that could be flooded when the sluice gate is opened tomorrow.
“This is as the dam has surpassed the 100% mark and recorded 107% this morning,” said the DWS.
“The opening of the sluice gate follows consistent heavy rains over the last two weeks in the catchment supporting the integrated Vaal River System and the Orange River.”
The DWS said it will continue to monitor the system and might open another sluice gate if the heavy rains continue.
Meanwhile, the weather department has warned that rains and thunderstorms in Gauteng could continue for the next few days.
