The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr Senzo Mchunu together with Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, will visit the Vaal Dam and the Vaal Barrage operated by Rand Water and surrounding areas on Thursday, 02 March 2023 to assess the infrastructure and the aftermath of the recent floods in the area.

Due to torrential rains in the last few weeks, the Department of Water and Sanitation had to implement necessary dam safety precautions to safeguard the infrastructure and ensure that there was full storage capacity after the rainfall season.

Twelve (12) sluice gates were opened between the 11th and 18th February 2023 as part of dam safety standards and procedures to manage water inflows upstream the Vaal River. Seven (7) flood gates have now been closed, leaving 5 gates remaining open as the dam continues to decline towards 100% mark.

The Minister will also conduct an inspection on the Sebokeng Wastewater Treatment Works as well as the Leeukuil Dam in Vereeniging.

Members of the media are invited to the event on 02 March 2023 as follows:

Source: Government of South Africa