The Department of Water and Sanitation issued a statement on January 21, detailing the latest State of the Reservoirs report.

According to this report, the average water levels in Mpumalanga rose from 100.9% to 101.5%, while the average district levels for Gert Sibande increased from 100.0% to 100.4%.

The statement, compiled by Themba Khoza, shows that most dams in the district are above full capacity, with Grootdraai Dam remaining stable at 101.9%.

Westoe Dam is the only dam that remains below 100%, increasing from 82.3% to 83.4%. Jericho Dam showed an increase from 100.3% to 100.8%.

Morgenstond Dam increased from 100.4% to 100.5%. Nooitgedacht Dam had an increase from 99.0% to 101.9%, and Vygeboom Dam also increased from 100.4% to 102.2%.

Heyshope Dam remained stable at 100.8%.

“With dams and rivers overflowing in several areas, the department urges the public to exercise extreme caution around bodies of water and to avoid approaching and crossing overflowing dams,” said Khoza.

He further appealed to the public to avoid building on flood lines, as this makes them vulnerable to harm during flood seasons.

According to Khoza, dumping waste into natural bodies of water not only pollutes natural water sources but also obstructs the natural water flow and contributes to flooding.

“Despite current wet conditions, South Africa remains a water-scarce country,” warned Khoza.

The DWS urges the public to practice rainwater harvesting to ensure water security for future generations.