Concerns over town’s water supply
This is self-explanatory. If the pressure is being kept low in order for the level not to drop and there is a sudden increase in the water level on account of heavy rain, the dam will flood. This is simple science.
LYDENBURG – The town could be sitting on a ticking time bomb – the new pipeline at Lydenburg Dam is not up to standard.
All asbestos pipelines were replaced by contractors in town during the course of the past two years. This also included the replacement of the one at the dam.
DA Cllr Nicko Janse van Vuuren told Steelburger/Lydenburg News that he wrote an urgent letter to Thaba Chweu Local Municipality (TCLM) in order to bring this current disaster to their attention.
“It is a matter of great concern. The dam is currently full, but the pipeline that leads to town is only three metres below the current water level of the dam. In short, this means that although the dam is full, it can only drop by another three metres and then, according to the law of physics, we will not be able to get water to the town. The level will then be below the pipeline and gravity will not work in our favour.”
Besides the fact that the level cannot afford to drop, there is another far greater concern facing Lydenburg. If the dam is full, another dire situation can be expected. “If we should have a cloudburst in the mountains and the dam is full, there will be nothing to stop the water from flooding the town. That is the main reason you let water out of a dam when it is full. “You need to let the water level drop so that in the event of heavy rains, the dam level can rise (given the dam wall can hold back the water) and if it then overflows, it will at least not be the full mass of water as we would have in the case of a full dam,” Janse van Vuuren explained.
He said that the river is also not flowing at the moment. “This is, by law, not allowed. The river must flow to connect with other rivers and provide water in places such as the Burgersfort valley. TCLM faces potential severe lawsuits if they find that we are withholding water from certain areas. That is exactly what we are currently doing because we cannot allow the water level to drop due to the current flow issues.”
Janse van Vuuren said apart from the legal issues, a river that is not flowing places the fauna and flora in the river system in great danger and can place human life in danger downstream. “The municipality must note the seriousness of this issue. We need to find a qualified engineer to have a look at the dam wall and come up with a suitable solution as a matter of urgency.” He said that TCLM now finds itself in a catch-22 situation.
“We need to let the water level drop to prevent a flood. Let it be noted that this town was flooded in the not too distant past. But, if we do that, we will not be able to provide the town with water.”
The newspaper spoke to a local engineer about the current dam situation. “This is self-explanatory. If the pressure is being kept low in order for the level not to drop and there is a sudden increase in the water level on account of heavy rain, the dam will flood. This is simple science.”
This is especially of great concern, since the rainy season for Lydenburg is mainly in November and December. The paper sent several queries to various officials within the municipality explaining the dire situation facing the town.
The municipal manager at TCLM, Matsi Siphiwe, said it is looking into the matter. “We are currently engaging other relevant stakeholders to assist in this matter. We will then furnish you with proper details once all technical issues have been resolved, before the end of next week.” It is not certain which contractor is responsible for the replacement of the pipe at the Lydenburg Dam. TCLM did not elaborate on this.
On December 12, 2001, about 85mm of rain fell within an hour and a half in the town region. That caused a flash flood in the Dorps River that passes through low-lying areas of the town. Four people, among them a four-month-old baby, died during the floods that swept through this town after the Lydenburg Dam overflowed. A metre-high wooden construction on the dam wall gave way, causing lower parts of town to be flooded on that dreadful day.
Apparently, the flashboards above a dam wall opened when Sterkspruit River overflowed releasing about 2 000 cubic metres of water into the town. The Doornbergspruit at the LydenburgDullstroom junction came down with massive force, flooding the Jocks Country Stalls centre and about eight businesses premises in the town. About an hour later the Sterkspruit overflowed and various streets close to the business centre were engulfed by water. Brug Street soon changed into a massive, violent river. Uitspan Caravan Park was almost destroyed and various caravans were dragged along by the force of the water. It was estimated that some 56 structures, including houses and businesses, were severely damaged. Several vehicles were also damaged and many pets were reported missing.
