The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) released its weekly state of reservoirs report on February 4, stating that average provincial dam levels had shown a slight decrease, while most dams continue to overflow.

According to the report compiled by Wisane Mavasa, Mpumalanga’s average dam levels dropped from 100.7% to 100.5%. The Gert Sibande District average dropped from 100.1% to 100.0%.

Dams in the district showed mixed results, with only Heyshope Dam remaining unchanged at 100.5%. The Nooitgedacht Dam increased from 98.5% to 99.6%, the Jericho Dam from 100.9% to 101.6% and the Morgenstond Dam from 100.1% to 100.7%.

Several dams showed declines: The Grootdraai Dam (from 102.1% to 101.5%), the Vygeboom Dam (from 100.9% to 100.0%), and the Westoe Dam (from 86.1% to 85.8%).

The DWS urged the public to exercise heightened caution around rivers and dams, emphasising that safety should be everyone’s priority as high water levels and ongoing dam overflows present ongoing risks. It also warned people not to build within flood lines, as these areas are susceptible to flooding.

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