Riverlands Dam Avoids Catastrophic Failure Through Emergency Operations

In a swift response to an imminent threat, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has successfully averted a potential disaster at Riverlands' fourth dam, located upstream in the Swartlands Local Municipality. Through the creation of a side channel spillway, the department managed to drain the dam safely, preventing a major collapse of the structure, which could have endangered lives downstream.

This emergency operation followed a concerning inspection on August 12, 2024, when engineers detected a piping failure on the downstream slope at the dam's highest section. Recognizing the integrity of the dam was at risk, the DWS quickly declared the need to empty the dam in a controlled manner, scheduling the drainage during daylight hours for better management and to enhance safety.

Public safety was of paramount concern, as failure of the dam during the night might have had more severe consequences due to the possible unpreparedness of the asleep community members. The dam was emptied at an accelerated rate, but with preemptive evacuations, no casualties or injuries resulted from the procedure. The citizens who had been evacuated have since returned home, as the danger has passed with the dam wall of Dam 4 remaining intact and additional damage avoided.

The previous calamity involved the collapses of three other dams in Riverlands, leading to significant flooding and property damage. This event prompted Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina to visit the site for insights and call for an investigation into the cause of the breaches and to assess the owners' adherence to regulations. The conclusive report was initially due within a week of the minister’s visit, but the urgency of stabilizing Dam 4 has warranted an extension for the investigative team.

The DWS displayed their commitment to community safety and regulatory obligations, mobilizing construction resources from the Clanwilliam Dam project to bolster mitigation efforts. Additionally, the department continuously evaluated other dams in the area amid persistent rain and saturated catchment conditions that posed further risks. Once the investigation is complete, those found responsible for the initial dam breaches may be held accountable.

This decisive intervention by the DWS not only prevented a crisis but also serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regular dam maintenance and swift action in the face of structural concerns.