The Vaal and Orange river systems are perilously close to flooding all over again. In 2023 and earlier this year in April we had floods. The risks and costs facing communities, homeowners, farmers and industries are enormous.
Dams are full and more rains are on the way, especially as this is a La Nina season (high precipitation).
Right now we are seeing very high flows in the Vaal as dams release water from recent rains. Water authorities are being defensive about their strategy, telling Parliament they are managing things to control floods.
They have rejected the DA’s concern that things could get out of hand.
Where we are on the Vaal our entire business depends on keeping the river under control. It’s like having a wild beast caged at the bottom of the property – ready to break out and wreck accommodation, activities and employment for weeks.
The strategy being followed doesn’t add up. If the dams remain full and heavy rains come they won’t be able to manage. They will just have to let water go, as in the past. But this time there is no margin for error. In the past the dams were not full and it was only when massive inflows filled them completely that the floods happened.
Now, with dams full, there is every likelihood that even fairly heavy rain in the catchments will cause flood releases.
This is not theory. We are in peril – again – and worried about what may happen.
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