South Africa’s Dams Can Handle the Floods, Reassures Government
The Department of Water and Sanitation has assured the South African public that the country’s large dams are not likely to collapse as a result of the heavy rainfall that is predicted to continue until mid-February. The Department’s Director in the Dam Safety Regulation Unit, Wally Ramokopa, said more than 5 000 registered dams in […]
The Department of Water and Sanitation has assured the South African public that the country’s large dams are not likely to collapse as a result of the heavy rainfall that is predicted to continue until mid-February.
The Department’s Director in the Dam Safety Regulation Unit, Wally Ramokopa, said more than 5 000 registered dams in South Africa stand strong even in the midst of spillages as experienced in some dams due to heavy rains in some parts of the country.
Ramokopa said that since Tropical Cyclone Eloise reached South Africa, it has only received two reports of potential damage to water infrastructure.
Two reports of damage to water infrastructure
These are the Pioneer Dam in the Kruger National Park, as well as a barrage in Phalaborwa where a radial gate failed after being opened to release floods as a result of the cyclone.
“At Kruger National Park, the dam had reached 100% capacity and there were fears that the spillway may not be sufficient, however, the dam was able to safely route the floods without causing any damage,” Ramokopa said.
“no need for people to be alarmed”
Ramokopa said most of the country’s large dams are designed to withstand floods and assured that “there is no need for people to be alarmed for possible water infrastructure collapse.”
Dam Safety Inspections are compulsory
He added that dam owners have to conduct safety inspections – by an Approved Professional Person (APP) – at least every five years. The Department “scrutinises” the reports and the data lets them know “whether or not the dam can withstand the pressure of water behind the dam’s concrete wall and/or the earth embankment wall. It is from then that we are able to predict possibilities of any movement or slip failure when the dam is full”.
The Water Department conducts follow-up dam safety compliance inspections to monitor that dam owners implement any APP recommendations.
“Failure to implement the APPs recommendations, especially when findings indicate that the dam may not be safe and have the potential to fail and may cause loss of life, the dam safety office is able to issue directives to compel dam owners to comply.
“The regulation makes provision for government to make the dam safe and recoup the money spent from the owner of the dam should it be necessary in order to prevent possible loss of life. Almost two years ago, the department got involved when part of Middle Lake Dam wall collapsed near Benoni,” Ramokopa said.
Action against owners not complying with regulations
Ramokopa issued a stern warning to dam owners who may be failing to comply with regulations. He said the department will act on them as they are putting the lives of others at risk.
“We are working very closely with highly specialised technicians to monitor major rivers where the cyclone would have severe impact. We are also part of the National Disaster Management Centre, where we share data on any potential disaster during floods,” said Ramokopa.
The department’s officials are also on high alert to assist communities affected by the floods, and it is working with its sister department, the Department of Human Settlements, to bring relief to such communities. – SAnews.gov.za