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The Citizen
28-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
flood warnings subside with Vaal Dam levels
The handling of the Vaal Dam during the crisis period came under fire from some residents. Flood warnings along the Vaal Dam have subsided as water levels continue to drop from their peak earlier this month, bringing relief to residents who have endured months of uncertainty. The dam currently sits at 107.56%, down from 114% at the beginning of the month and 108% recorded two weeks ago. As water levels have receded, so have the fears of flooding that gripped communities along the Vaal River system during the first quarter of the year. Vaal Dam operating well below danger levels Despite the seemingly high percentage, Midvaal councillor Pieter Swart explained that the Vaal Dam is operating well below dangerous levels due to infrastructure upgrades completed decades ago. 'The Vaal Dam is at no risk of overtopping, as the 107.5% is a little misleading. In actuality, the addition of the sluices on top of the original spillway and the raising of the wall in the 80s have increased the capacity to 126%. The 126% is the new 100%. So at its current level of 107%, the dam is actually at around 85% of its actual capacity,' Swart told The Citizen. This technical explanation provides context for residents who may be concerned about water levels appearing to exceed 100% capacity. Life returns to normal despite ongoing challenges along the Vaal River While conditions have stabilised, Swart acknowledged that many residents continue to deal with the aftermath of the flooding that occurred during the dam's rapid rise from near-empty to full capacity in just over two months. 'Mostly — life has returned to normal, but this does not mean that a large amount of people have not suffered significant damage and even financial ruin. My utmost sympathy goes out to these residents,' said Swart. The councillor noted that residents with waterfront properties can now safely enjoy their facilities again, though he cautioned about the risks some have taken by building within flood zones. 'Since there is no danger at this stage, a lot of residents with water and riverfront access can safely enjoy the facilities. This, however, does not ignore the fact that a lot of infrastructure was built against recommendations — and sometimes even unlawfully — within the flood lines. This is a calculated risk the owners have taken upon themselves,' he explained. ALSO READ: Majodina reviews report on illegal Middle Letaba Dam blockages Defence of Vaal Dam management amid criticism The management of the Vaal Dam during the crisis period drew criticism from some residents, but Swart defended the Department of Water and Sanitation's (DWS) handling of the situation. 'DWS managed the dam very well in my opinion. We could not have predicted that we would receive over 700mm of rain in the first 4 months of the year. 'The Dam went from 25% on New Year's Day to 100% on 7 March. They also have to make sure the dam stays as full as possible for as long as possible. Unfortunately, when large amounts come in, large amounts need to be released, and that's why flood lines exist,' he said. The rapid transformation from drought conditions to flood warnings highlighted the extreme weather patterns experienced in the region during early 2025. Municipal safety measures and communication Swart outlined the various safety measures implemented by Midvaal Local Municipality to protect residents during the crisis and ongoing monitoring efforts. 'Midvaal Local Municipality monitors the safety of residents very closely. We invest in various safety initiatives to ensure this. One example is Midvaal's Marine 1 Rescue boat, stationed at Vaal Marina fire station,' he said. Swart said the municipality has also prioritised communication with residents through multiple channels. 'We communicate relevant information regularly. Not only on the official Midvaal channels and socials, but also through ward councillors like myself and my various channels and WhatsApp groups,' Swart added. ALSO READ: Municipal water crisis 'nothing to do with bulk water supply', says minster at LHWP reopening Regional impact and future outlook While Midvaal residents have been relatively fortunate, Swart acknowledged that other areas along the Vaal River system have faced more severe challenges. 'As far as Midvaal Local Municipality goes, our residents are generally not affected to the extent as residents in places like Parys, for example. Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with what measures the Free State has in place for places like Parys,' he said. Looking ahead, Swart expects water levels to continue dropping gradually during the dry winter months, with levels potentially decreasing by 1% to 2% per week. However, recent developments may help maintain higher water levels. 'Our dry winters could see a gradual drop in level of 1-2% per week. What will help significantly is the re-opening of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project tunnel, which concluded its maintenance recently and has already seen an uptick in inflows into the Vaal Dam,' he explained. ALSO READ: Vaal Dam still over 100%: Here's what level it's on today Forward-thinking water security plans The municipality is also exploring alternative water supply solutions to reduce dependence on traditional sources. Swart highlighted one innovative approach being considered. 'The DA-led Midvaal Local municipality prides itself in forward-thinking plans and solutions. One such plan is, for example, 'capturing' water released daily from Bass Lake as an alternative water supply to bolster the reliance on just Rand Water,' he said. NOW READ: Here's how many millions SA sends to Lesotho each month for water
IOL News
25-05-2025
- IOL News
Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) reopens, easing water security concerns
The 38-kilometre tunnel, Ash River that runs from Lesotho to South Africa via the Free State, has been officially opened on Sunday. Image: Kamogelo Moichela/IOL The Department of Water and Sanitation has officially reopened the 38km Ash River Tunnel in Clarens, Free State, expressing satisfaction that South Africa did feel a pinch of water shortages during the shutdown of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). The shutdown, which began in October 2023, was necessary to conduct essential upgrades and inspections both within the tunnel and on external infrastructure. The process faced unexpected delays, primarily due to incomplete work on the Lesotho side of the project and further compounded by heavy rainfall in the region. Water Minister Pemmy Majodina, the department team, the Free State government led by Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, and also the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) oversaw the opening. 'A fihlile meetsi, a fihlile, (The water has arrived, it has arrived),' Majodina said at the reopening. Addressing the issue of delays and shortages, Majodina said, 'There was no day zero; the challenge of water supply has nothing to do with bulk water supply.' 'The water that you see running down the streets, it is the water that comes from the bulk water supply, but the challenge is provision, which is not our not our mandate," Majodina said. 'We will keep working with our municipalities to close the leaks because what makes water run down the streets is leaks.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) is a landmark binational initiative between Lesotho and SA. This strategic infrastructure project is designed to achieve two primary objectives: supplying water to South Africa's Gauteng region — the country's economic hub — and generating hydroelectric power to meet Lesotho's domestic energy needs. The project encompasses the construction of an integrated system of dams, transfer tunnels, and hydroelectric power stations. These components work together to facilitate the transfer of water from the highlands of Lesotho to the Vaal River System in South Africa, while simultaneously enhancing Lesotho's energy security through sustainable power generation. IOL
eNCA
17-05-2025
- Health
- eNCA
R450m and 14 months to complete first phase of Rooiwal wastewater plant
HAMMANSKRAAL - The first phase of the Rooiwal Water Treatment Plant in Tshwane is expected to be completed by July 2026. Although, to do that, the city needs R450-million, money it does not have. READ | Majodina to visit Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Plant, Klipdrift Package Plant Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina visited the plant to check on progress. It's been marred by allegations of corruption linked to a R315-million contract. The plant is believed to be the source of a cholera outbreak in 2023 that left dozens dead in Hammanskraal. eNCA reporter Bafedile Moerane filed this report.
IOL News
03-05-2025
- General
- IOL News
New Kwa-Ximba Package Plant launched to enhance water supply for 18 villages in KZN
The water treatment plant in KwaXimba, eThekwini Ward 1, will supply over 7ml/d of water throughout the area. Image: eThekwini Municipality KwaZulu-Natal's Kwa-Ximba Package Plant, which reticulates water to 18 villages situated in eThekwini Municipality's Ward 1, was officially opened on Friday. The R378 million two-phased package plant will transport potable water via a 7.4 kilometre pipeline to two command reservoirs in the area. According to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), the two reservoirs will supply 18 villages in and around Kwa-Ximba. The villages include Mvini, Bhobhonono, Nkandla, Nonoti, Msunduze, Mhali, Esiweni, Livapo, Nconcosi, Ntukusweni, Zwelisha, Kajabula, Othweba, Kwanyoni, Skhoxe, Kwadenge, and Emngacwini. The area of Kwa-Ximba previously depended on a reservoir in Cato Ridge, which received treated water from Midmar Water Treatment Works through the Western Aqueduct. Minister of DWS Pemmy Majodina said the project consists of the completed first phase of a water treatment portable plant, which supplies 2 megalitres per day (ml/d), and a second one that was upgraded to supply 7 ml/d. Majodina said the plant was commissioned last year and is operating well and will remain under the custodianship of uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW). 'Due to population growth, Cato Ridge reservoir could no longer provide a reliable water supply to communities. The reservoir did not receive sufficient volumes to be able to cater for all the areas, including the villages. The two package plants will, therefore, be able to improve the water supply to these communities,' Majodina explained. The upgraded facility is set to supply 7 million litres of clean water daily to Ward 1, the largest ward in eThekwini Municipality. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The UUW described the milestone project as a major step toward resolving long-standing water challenges and strengthening water security for the KwaXimba community. The UUW said the water supply will reach 3 000 households in KwaXimba. Previously, there were some villages which did not have reliable water supply due to insufficient water in the command reservoirs, because of leaks. Majodina said this has been addressed by the municipality to ensure that the reservoirs are sustainably being filled with water. Majodina urged the Kwa-Ximba community to protect the pipeline and water system from vandalism. Sello Seitlholo, deputy minister of DWS, stated that the delivery of bulk infrastructure was a major task in the country. He said one of the biggest crises in South Africa is that, although we do have our raw water, the quality of it is deteriorating. "It costs a lot of money to treat the water. The wastewater treatment works, the factories, and the agricultural sector pollute the rivers. As a department, we have a responsibility to make sure our municipalities, agricultural sectors, and industries can discharge water that would be able to pair up with the other water quality that we find in our rivers and dams," he said. "If the raw water is of bad quality, uMngeni-uThukela Water spends a lot of money treating the water. It means that if eThekwini buys this water, it will cost more. The consumers will also buy the water at an exorbitant price. So there is a value chain in terms of the availability of water quality. We hope that we do not come back after two years and witness any vandalism," Seitlholo said. Mdu Nkosi, IFP councillor and the chairperson of the Trading Services Committee in eThekwini Municipality, said the Kwa-Ximba pipeline and other scheme projects will assist the community immensely. Nkosi stated that the area was given additional capacity than required to cater for future developments. He added that water tankering services could be withdrawn from the area. "Our intention is to ensure people get water through pipes in their houses so that the city can account for water usage and loss. It is important to develop these rural areas because people have the impression that those living in suburbs and townships only deserve water, which is not the case," Nkosi said.
