Some business owners operating along Vaal River say floods have devastated livelihoods

JOHANNESBURG - While the South African Weather Services (SAWS) has warned of possible flooding in parts of Gauteng, some business owners operating along the Vaal River said recent floods have had a devastating effect on their livelihoods.

On Thursday, the Department of Water and Sanitation announced that two more sluice gates would be opened at the dam to manage overflow, as the water levels have reached 111%.

Last week, the department urged residents to evacuate their homes, particularly along the riverbanks.

A resort owner said the recent Easter weekend recorded a bleak turnout of guests, with many staying away because of bad weather.

"What we’ve experienced with the floods and the warnings that we received for the Vaal River, they’re not specific at all. It’s extremely difficult for us that are business operators on the Vaal River to continue doing business when there are warnings sent out to people along the Vaal River."