A high-level, multi-disciplinary team of government officials was on site at the Senteeko Dam near Barberton today, January 27, working to prevent a potential disaster.

Recent heavy rains have severely compromised the dam’s structural integrity, prompting urgent intervention to protect lives and local livelihoods.

A specialist assessment led by Wally Ramokopa, head of the Specialist Unit for Dam Safety at the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), has confirmed that the risk of a spillway collapse remains high. Ongoing erosion beneath the structure continues to threaten the dam’s stability.

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To mitigate the risk, engineers have implemented several emergency measures.

An auxiliary channel was excavated and recently widened to redirect water away from the failing main spillway. In addition, authorities are working to rapidly lower the dam’s water levels to reduce pressure on the compromised wall.

“We have restricted the flow on the existing spillway and redirected it to the side. This is a temporary measure to reduce the risk, even if the dam fails,” he said.

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The DWS has completed a flood path analysis to determine the potential impact of a breach.

The findings indicate that the primary risk is to farming communities located downstream.

No major residential hubs were identified within a 30km radius along the flood path, including areas up to the R40 provincial road bridge. Communities such as New Consort and Low’s Creek, about 25km away, are not expected to experience any direct impact.
The analysis also confirms there is no risk to neighbouring Mozambique or Eswatini.

The crisis has already affected the local agricultural sector. Irrigation for Senteeko citrus farms has been halted after water pumps became submerged. Operations will only resume once water levels subside and equipment is repaired.

“While mitigation is underway, the risk of failure remains. Government urges all farming communities downstream to heed evacuation warnings and remain in constant contact with local authorities. The public is strongly advised to avoid low-water bridges and all unnecessary activities near riverbanks during this critical period,” he said.