Move to higher ground! – Govt warns residents along Vaal Dam as water levels surge

702 and CapeTalk's Africa Melane interviews Wisane Mavasa, Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).

Listen below:

Heavy rainfall has caused the Vaal Dam to exceed its capacity, reaching 109%, prompting the Department of Water and Sanitation to open a fifth sluice gate.

The Department anticipates a significant impact on areas situated below the floodline and along the riverbanks.

Affected regions include Vereeniging, Vaalpark, Parys and Bloemhof.

"Those that are along the riparian of this river should be careful and consider maybe moving to upper levels of the river bank."

- Wisane Mavasa, Spokesperson – Department of Water and Sanitation

Mavasa reassures that the Department is actively implementing precautionary measures and taking all necessary actions to maintain the dam's integrity and stability.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.