Heavy rains over the past two weeks have seen the Hazelmere Dam reach near capacity, a welcome development for water security on the North Coast.

The dam reached a water level of 62%, enveloping roads and camping spots surrounding the dam.

“A level of just 34%, which the dam reached in November last year, is enough to meet the demands of Umgeni Water’s customers, including the eThekweni Metro and the iLembe District for an entire year,” said Umgeni Water spokesperson, Shami Harichunder.

Because the dam wall had already been partially raised, the 34% level in November last year was roughly equivalent to a 70% level before construction had started, said Harichunder.

This means that the 62% level reached last week would be greater than 100% of the dam’s old capacity, which is why previously protected roads and campsites are now in danger of being underwater.

Ironically, given the delay in raising the dam wall, which has been under construction since 2016, 7% of the dam’s precious water had to be dumped downriver.

Because of the construction work, the safety of the dam wall has been compromised and the capacity limit in the interim is 55% capacity or less.

Since Saturday, water has been periodically released into the uMdloti River, causing flood warnings for many of the settlements along the river bank.

On Tuesday morning, when the dam reached 55% capacity the floodgates were closed again.

“A decision has been taken by Umgeni Water to stop further water releases as its current level of 55% does not pose a risk to the under-construction dam wall. Since January 8 a total of 11 608 megalitres were released,” said Harichunder.

The raising of the dam wall has become a drawn out saga, with construction initially meant to have been completed by June 2017.

“When completed, the raised dam wall will double the storage capacity, thereby reducing the risk of water shortages in future.”

There is still no confirmed completion date, however, and the Department of Water and Sanitation has not responded to The North Coast Courier’s numerous requests for comment.

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