Warning to communities along Vaal River floodlines to evacuate

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Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Majodina, has urged residents residing along the floodlines of the Vaal River to evacuate the area and those who have already done so not to return to their homes.

Majodina, accompanied by Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, conducted a site visit to the Vaal Dam on Wednesday to assess the condition of water resource infrastructure following significant inflows into the dam due to persistent rainfall across the Vaal River Catchment.

Vulnerable

The Minister was joined by Rand Water Chairperson Ramateu Monyokolo and Chief Executive Officer Sipho Mosai, and the provincial heads of Gauteng, Free State, and North West, Justice Maluleke, Tseliso Ntili, and Luxolo Mditshane, respectively.

Majodina warned that low-lying areas downstream of the Vaal and Bloemhof Dams, remain vulnerable due to the release of water through open sluice gates, which are being used to manage water levels.

“During heavy rains and high inflows into dams, the department implement flood management protocols through controlled water releases to ensure the safety of water resource infrastructure (dams and barrages); protection of downstream communities as such, minimise loss of human lives and livelihoods, destruction of property and disruption of services; and to ensure that the dams are full at the end of the flood season,” Majodina said.

Since 3 March 2025, the Department of Water and Sanitation has been gradually releasing water from both dams through sluice gates and valves to maintain structural integrity and reduce flood risk.

Currently, five sluice gates at both the Vaal and Bloemhof Dams have been opened to manage the increased inflows.

Access to potable water

Speaking from the Vaal Dam wall, Majodina assured the public that bulk water supply remains stable, and that the department is working closely with the municipalities to manage water reticulation to ensure that the citizens of South Africa have access to potable water from their taps.

The Minister warned residents who encroach upon flood lines to move to a safe area and to remove valuable equipment, including movable infrastructure, and livestock.

She appealed to religious groups and the general public to avoid large bodies of water, as strong currents pose significant danger.

“We want to make a plea and strong caution to people on the flood line; it may not be raining in your area, but because of the tributaries that flow into the dam, high volumes of water could reach your locality and wash away your homes. We also call on churches to be aware of the dangers of strong tides due to the open gates.

“Water currents are not always visible on the surface and can be difficult to detect, making them hazardous. As we approach Easter, let us be cautious regarding water activities that may endanger lives,” the Minister advised.

Mahlobo said living near large bodies of water was visually appealing; however, there was a boundary that should not be crossed for safety reasons.

“A flood line has a red line that should not be crossed, and when water volumes increase, there is a risk to residents and their properties. We cannot be held responsible for decisions made by individuals who cross that red line,” Mahlobo said.

Vaal and Bloemhof Dams status

The department reported that the five sluice gates remain opened with an outflow of 793 cubic metres per second (mᵌ/s) at the Vaal Dam and water levels are currently at 114.61% as at this morning.

“At Bloemhof Dam, levels have gone down from last night’s (Tuesday) 116% to 111% this morning (Wednesday) and water levels continue to decline. As such, the Department has reduced outflows from 3000 mᵌ/s by this afternoon to 2500 mᵌ/s”.

The Department of Water and Sanitation continues to monitor the situation and will provide regular updates.

Residents are urged to follow instructions from local authorities and disaster management teams.