The recent and continuing rains in most parts of the country are having a positive effect on water levels in the Mpumalanga Province.
The latest Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) weekly state of reservoirs report of 14 November 2022 shows that the average dam levels in the Mpumalanga Province recorded a 4.4% improvement from 89.3% to 93.7%. In terms of the water management areas (WMA), the Olifants WMA recorded a 4.1% increase from 78.9% to 83.0% and the Inkomati-Usuthu WMA recorded a 1.1% increase from 93.2% to 94.3%. This is a better picture as compared to the same time last year when the provincial average stood at 74.0%, the Olifants WMA stood at 66.6% and the Inkomati-Usuthu WMA was at 82.7%.
Longmere Dam in the Lowveld in Ehlanzeni District and Jericho Dam in Gert Sibande District are the only listed dams that recorded some declines in water volumes, dropping from 81.7% to 80.0% and 88.1% to 88.0% respectively.
In the Lowveld and Ehlanzeni District, Blyderivierpoort Dam increased from 71.6% to 74.6%, Buffelskloof from 70.7% to 82.9%, Driekoppies from 97.1% to 97.2%, Klipkopjes from 90.9% to 94.9%, Witklip from 89.2% to 89.9%, Primkop from 84.9% to 97.9%, Kwena from 82.9% to 84.6%, Da Gama from 90.5% to 102.7%, Inyaka from 78.1% to 79.1%, and Ohrigstad from 23.2% to 23.5%.
In the Gert Sibande District, Vygeboom and Westoe dams remained unchanged at 100.3% and 73.3% respectively.
On the improvement side in Gert Sibande, Grootdraai Dam increased from 91.4% to 109.0%, Nooitgedacht from 96.6% to 100.1%, Morgenstond from 99.1% to 99.7%, and Heyshope from 99.3% to 100.8%.
All the listed dams in the Nkangala District recorded improvements in water levels, Witbank Dam increased from 98.2% to 100.7%, Middelburg from 93.7% to 94.4%, Loskop from 97.9% to 102.9% and Rhenosterkop / Mkhombo from 48.1% to 52.9%.
The Department of Water and Sanitation would like to remind the public that water has no substitute and South Africa remains a water scarce country which necessitates each and every individual to use water wisely and sparingly despite the improvements in water levels in the listed dams and water management areas.
DWS also urges the public to be extra cautious during rainy days and avoid crossing raging rivers and streams. Always remember, your life and safety come first so always be on higher ground and avoid flooded areas. Always remember that rain brings water and life, but it can also take lives if we are not careful.
Source: Government of South Africa