The inclement weather has helped to fill our dams. The recent storms that lashed parts of the Western Cape over the past few days have contributed to rising dam levels. At the same time, it brought destruction and devastation and wreaked havoc. Over 80 000 people were affected in the City of Cape Town alone.

“We have received reports of people who got into trouble when trying to cross water sources, and we are concerned as the Department,”  added Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa.

 

The inclement weather has helped to fill our dams

The Provincial Government also confirmed 6 deaths due to weather-related incidents. In addition, this morning, it was reported that the bodies of three farmworkers were recovered during a mass rescue operation on a farm between Worcester and Rawsonville. According to the National Sea Rescue Institute, its teams were called out to a farm near the old N1 roadway yesterday morning (Tuesday). Crews found 23 people on the roofs of farm buildings. Furthermore, it’s believed that they had been trapped there since Monday, due to flooding. The NSRI’s Craig Lambinon added that most of the farmworkers and their families, including young children, were safely evacuated during a rescue operation.

“We call upon the citizens who live in or use areas closer to our water sources to always adhere to warnings by the authorities,” added Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa.

 

Provincial water storage levels show improvement

Meanwhile, the head of the Western Cape Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa, said there was a major increase observed in the Breede-Gouritz Water Catchment Area. Most dams in this catchment area have reached full capacity. The Gouritz River Catchment is now at 88,84%.

She says most of the dams in the Gouritz River Catchment area, such as Leeu-Gamka, Oukloof, Gamkadam, Gamkapoort, Kammanassie, Duiwenhoks, Mierjieskraal, Ernest Robertson and Stomdrift dams, are on or above 100%. Bila-Mupariwa added that those still above 100% will continue to spill until the levels decrease to 100%.

“During periods of severe weather warnings, this system is monitored on a 24-hour basis.”

The Gouritz River Catchment is now at 88,84%

According to a media statement, the latest weekly dam levels report shows that provincial dams have increased by 7,54%, from 44,94% to 52,46% this week. It further indicates that the Cape Town Water Supply System also saw an increase from last week’s 47,78 to 50,48% this week. This is an upward movement of 2,7%.

At the same time, it’s being reported that the Theewaterskloof Dam saw a rise of over 2% from last week’s 47,31 to 49,47% this week. This dam is the largest in the Cape Town Water Supply System.

“She said her department would continue providing near real-time information on dam and river levels.”

Dam levels: The Theewaterskloof Dam

Bila-Mupariwa has meanwhile called for caution in the Garden Route and Central Karoo districts. The recent severe weather conditions devastated the region and filled some dams to the brim. This resulted in flash floods in some areas. She added that the levels of domestic and agricultural dams have increased due to these storms. This could alleviate the water scarcity challenges within the Southern Cape region.

Bila-Mupariwa has re-emphasised her previous call for citizens who reside close to water sources such as rivers, dams and estuaries to be vigilant during this period of adverse weather.

Bila-Mupariwa says the Department will continue to monitor dam levels in all the catchment areas. She concluded that despite the heavy rains, the Department is still asking residents to continue using water sparingly.