Vaal Dam
By Lerato Mpembe
Two sluice gates have finally been closed at the Vaal Dam as water levels have subsided and inflows have been reduced. The Department of Water and Sanitation’s decision marks a turning point in managing the recent flooding along the Vaal River, offering relief to communities affected by heavy rainfall and controlled water releases.
Easing the Flood Risk
Last week’s torrential rainfall pushed the Vaal Dam beyond its full capacity, with storage levels peaking at 115.57% on 10 April. To prevent potential damage to the dam’s infrastructure and mitigate downstream flooding, the department opened five of the dam’s 60 sluice gates, releasing water at rates reaching 813.4 cubic metres per second (m³/s). While these controlled releases were necessary to safeguard the dam, they caused significant flooding along the Vaal River, affecting low-lying areas in the Vaal Triangle, Parys, Vanderbijlpark, and Sasolburg.
The flooding forced some residents living near the banks of the Vaal River catchment to evacuate, as homes along the swollen riverbanks were inundated. Communities in areas like Orkney and Deneysville faced disruptions, with local businesses reporting losses due to flooded properties. The department urged residents to move livestock, equipment, and valuable items to higher ground, while disaster management teams worked to support affected households.
Progress in Water Level Management
As of 15 April, the Vaal Dam’s water level has dropped to approximately 108%, allowing the department to close two sluice gates. Inflows have decreased significantly from a high of 1,200 m³/s last week to around 600 m³/s, reflecting reduced rainfall in the Vaal River catchment. The department’s spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa, confirmed that the situation is stabilising but cautioned that vigilance remains essential. “The department continues to monitor inflows and water levels in the integrated Vaal River system to ensure that necessary precautions are in place, in line with the dam safety standards and hydrological monitoring systems in order to safeguard the infrastructure and attenuate flood conditions,” Mavasa said.
Downstream, the Bloemhof Dam, which also experienced high water levels at 116% last week, has seen its outflows reduced from 3,000 m³/s to 2,000 m³/s as of 14 April. This coordinated management across the Vaal River system has helped ease pressure on riverbanks and infrastructure, although some areas remain waterlogged.
Community Impact and Safety Measures
The flooding has highlighted the vulnerability of communities living within the 1-in-100-year floodline. Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, who visited the Vaal Dam on 9 April to assess the situation, urged residents to avoid returning to flood-prone areas prematurely. “A flood line has a red line that should not be crossed, and when water volumes increase, there is a risk to residents and their properties,” said Deputy Minister David Mahlobo during the visit. Mavasa echoed this sentiment, advising residents to “continue to avoid the flooded areas as the river catchment remains flooded.”
Local municipalities, alongside the National Disaster Management Centre and provincial teams, have been distributing aid and coordinating evacuations. In Sasolburg, temporary shelters housed over 200 families at the peak of the flooding, while in Parys, farmers reported damage to irrigation systems. Social media posts from affected residents expressed frustration over recurring floods but also gratitude for the department’s early warning systems, which helped prevent loss of life.
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