The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has begun implementing new risk-mitigation measures, to protect communities downstream the Senteeko dam.
The Department agreed with warnings issued by the local irrigation board, local councillor- Phillip Minnaar, that residents in and around Die Kaap River catchment (Barberton, Mpumalanga), evacuate, due to an imminent collapse of the dam.
The Department is working with Shamile CPA, who are the owners of the dam, and specialists, to widen an emergency spillway to increase outflow and lower water levels.
In addition, the Department said an analysis of the flood path was completed.
Irrigation pumps for citrus farming are already submerged with repairs expected to begin, as soon as the water subsides.
Provincial departments working to save lives and infrastructure, include land and environmental (ARDLEA), cooperative governance (CoGHSTA), Ehlanzeni District and the City of Mbombela.
Picture: DWS