In line with government’s commitment to the protection of life and livelihoods, a multi- disciplinary team with local authorities are working jointly around the clock to reduce impact should the Senteeko Dam collapse.
This is following the impact of recent heavy rains which have compromised the safety of the structure located outside Barberton. A follow-up visit led by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Head of Specialist Unit: Dam Safety, Wally Ramokopa, confirmed that the risk of the spillway collapse is still high as erosion underneath continues.
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Emergency interventions are underway to relieve pressure on the dam, while monitoring and technical assessments continue. The risk mitigation measures are being implemented by the owner of the dam, Shamile Communal Property Association (CPA) together with its APP under the supervision of the DWS.
As part of interventions to further reduce the disaster risk and potential impact, the emergency spillway that was excavated to redirect water out of the dam. It has been widened to increase the outflow and further reduce the volume of water in the dam.
Ramokopa stated that a temporary measure has been put in place while the are still trying to lower the capacity of the dam to reduce the risk even if the dam fails.
“Working together with the Irrigation Board and the owners of the dam, we have restricted the flow of water on the spillway by opening another spillway, referred to as the emergency spillway channel. We have now widened that spillway to ensure that water is restricted on the existing spillway and is redirected to come out on the side,” said Ramokopa.
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The DWS has also conducted a flood path analysis to identify. They also assessed the areas that may be affected in the event of the dam collapses and only farming communities have been identified on the flood path. No densely populated communities were identified in the analysis for at least 30km, to the bridge at the R40 provincial road. The water flow will have no impact on neighbouring countries like Mozambique and Eswatini.
Meanwhile, the irrigation for Senteeko citrus is also affected due to pumps that have submerged. Irrigation will commence once the water has subsided and the pumps are repaired.
While highly concentrated communities such as New Consort or Low’s Creek would not experience any impact as they are approximately 25km away from the dam impact point. CoGHSTA emphasised that all affected stakeholders are being engaged to save lives should the dam collapse.
Government urges the affected communities to heed and comply to evacuation warnings as the risk of failure remains at the dam. The public is also advised to avoid low-water bridges, unnecessary travel and activities near rivers.
