TZANEEN – Fresh uncertainty surrounds the completion of the Tzaneen Dam wall raising project following heavy rains that caused the dam to spill and sparked widespread concern among residents.

Social media reports alleging structural damage to the Tzaneen Dam again started circulating this week, prompting a response from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), which has dismissed claims of structural failure.

According to the department, inspections conducted after the rainfall identified localised downstream embankment erosion, but there is no immediate risk to the structural integrity of the dam or to downstream communities.

The dam remains operational and is being closely monitored in line with DWS procedures.

The wall is currently being raised by three metres to increase the dam’s storage capacity from approximately 157 million m³ to 193 million m³.

As part of the approved construction process, the existing dam wall had been reduced by four metres in preparation for the raising and the construction of a new spillway. The department said the temporary reduction has proved beneficial during the heavy rainfall, as it allowed excess water to flow safely over the lowered section.

Diversion pipelines remain operational and are being actively monitored by the appointed professional service provider, while controlled water releases are continuing through sluice valves under supervision.

However, as the dam is still under construction, several areas were exposed and not fully completed before the onset of the rains. In some places, downstream slope protection, including paving bricks removed as part of approved works, suffered surface erosion during the intense and prolonged rainfall.

Engineers have since issued instructions for emergency temporary protection works to stabilise affected areas until permanent repairs can be undertaken once conditions are safe.

While safety concerns have been addressed, attention has shifted to whether the revised completion date of March 2026 will be met. In June 2025, the DWS confirmed the project was 46% complete and pushed the deadline to March 2026 after earlier delays.

Major components, including the labyrinth spillway and embankment strengthening, were still under construction at that stage.

In September 2025, 24-hour construction shifts were introduced to accelerate progress and recover lost time. Nearby residents were warned to expect increased night-time noise as work continued around the clock.

With heavy rains now affecting parts of the construction site and emergency stabilisation measures underway, uncertainty remains over whether the March deadline will hold.

Residents with queries or concerns have been encouraged to contact Maria Moloto 015 307 3788 or Khanyisa Gaveni 011 313 3111 at the Department of Water and Sanitation.