Urgent evacuation notice issued for residents downstream of Senteeko dam

The Department of Water and Sanitation, in conjunction with the City of Mbombela, has issued an urgent evacuation notice for residents living downstream of the Senteeko Dam.

The alert follows a critical assessment of the dam’s infrastructure following recent inclement weather. 

According to the department’s Wally Ramokopa, the spillway slab has suffered significant damage, creating a high risk of a structural breach.

Ramokopa noted that recent floods have severely compromised the integrity of the slab. Authorities warn that a failure could have devastating effects on the downstream area, necessitating immediate relocation for those in the potential path of the water.