KZN COGTA warns of possible flooding near Nagle Dam due to planned flood gates testing

DURBAN - KwaZulu-Natal’s Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has warned residents near Nagle Dam of possible flooding due to planned testing of flood gates by uMngeni-uThukela Water.  

The entity will conduct a two-hour routine test of its flood gates at the dam in Mkhambathini on Wednesday.  

The department has urged residents to stay vigilant because the exercise may cause flooding.  

COGTA MEC Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi has warned communities near the dam to be extra cautious and vacate their homes.  

This includes moving livestock from riverbanks.  

Residents living in Mkhambathini and KwaXimba, right down to eThekwini are likely to be affected by the weather.  

The department said this rather risky exercise is important for the dam infrastructure.  

It said recent heavy rains caused the dam to overflow, saying this is the rationale behind testing the flood gates.