Dardlea issues urgent call for intervention at Senteeko Dam
All safety protocols remain in effect until the dam is fully repaired.
The Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (Dardlea) has called upon all stakeholders to assist the Shamila Communal Property Association (CPA) with the urgent repair of the Senteeko Dam spillway.
The MEC for agriculture, rural development, land and environmental affairs, Khethiwe Moeketsi, has requested Dardlea’s engineers and their counterparts from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to continue efforts to stabilise the dam near Umjindi.
The primary goal is to restore normal operations for local farmers who rely on the dam for irrigation.
“The dam walls were severely affected by heavy rains that pelted the Lowveld last month, submerging a pump house and nearly causing a total wall collapse. Water levels have decreased following the creation of an emergency spillway, but experts maintain that this is not yet sufficient to eliminate the risk of structural failure,” stated Moeketsi.
@lowvelder Barberton area flood warning: Senteeko Dam wall at risk of collapse. #floods #dam #damwall #barberton
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He noted that continued assessment and monitoring will guide short-term technical solutions to support irrigation and safeguard local livelihoods. She was joined by De Kaap Irrigation Board officials and Shamila CPA leadership during an on-site inspection to witness the flood damage first-hand on February 12.
The situation at the dam remains critical.
@lowvelder Senteeko Dam status update A member of the De Kaap Irrigation Board reports that the situation at the dam remains critical. While the extra spillway is open, the water level fluctuates, subsiding slightly during the day but rising again overnight. The dam wall remains at risk of collapsing and is under 24-hour monitoring. Video: Supplied/Die Kaap Irrigation Board.
While authorities are moving quickly, the following data reflects the current situation:
• The dam is currently at 89% capacity, with 62mil/m³ of water.
• Water is barely trickling through the temporary spillway, which is insufficient for the current volume.
• An excavator is being deployed urgently to deepen the existing trench, allowing for a more controlled and significant discharge of water.
• The irrigation board does not have the authority to override DWS directives. Safety protocols issued by the national department take precedence over all local irrigation schedules.
• Flow warning triggers have been successfully integrated into the Suidkaap at Glenthorpe station.
• In the event of a catastrophic wall failure, an automated system will trigger immediate alerts to emergency services and stakeholders.
ALSO READ: Senteeko dam update: Engineers to implement new spillway
In light of the ongoing risk, residents, farmers, and stakeholders are urged to adhere to the following safety protocols: all DWS notifications and evacuation warnings remain in place.
These will not be lifted until a formal assessment confirms the risk has subsided. Motor and pump owners are strongly advised to consult with their insurance providers before attempting to reinstall any pumping equipment.
