Central SA
Free State government visits Jagersfontein after another dam scare─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 10:20 Thu, 29 Sep 2022
The Free State Premier and Executive Committee (Exco) will on Thursday visit the disaster-stricken Jagersfontein community after another dam scare when a water dam overflowed in the area following heavy rain.
The water overflow in the Charlesville area in Jagersfontein on 27 September 2022 was a reminder of the mine dam collapse that destroyed many houses, and swiped away cars and other belongings.
The spokesperson for the Free State Premier’s Office, Palesa Chubisi, says after reports of another dam wall collapse in the area on 27 September 2022, the provincial government immediately activated the Provincial management team, including officials from the Department of Water and Sanitation, to confirm these reports.
Chubisi explains that the preliminary assessment reports by the Department of Water and Sanitation, which they received on 28 September 2022, indicated that a portion of earth embankment of the dam in question suffered some erosion during the incident of 11 September 2022. She further states that with the recent incident, the water overflowed on the eroded portion of the dam in question following the heavy rains in the region, as the area is lower than the rest of the embankment wall.
“This overflowing of water caused further erosion creating a further lower spot which will be prone to constant flows caused by any storm or rain. In essence, this was an overflow and not a dam failure. The Dam Safety Officers have been, and still are, on-site to conduct further inspections to provide a conclusive report,” explains Chubisi.
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She also adds that the Free State Premier, Sisi Ntombela, has called for calm and emphasised that the caring government of the Free State is working around the clock to find lasting solutions for the community of the Kopanong Local Municipality.
Chubisi further adds that the R706 road, which was initially closed after the recent water overflow into the area of Charlesville, has since been reopened for traffic moving into Jagersfontein. She, however, adds that law enforcement agencies, emergency services and all other necessary services remain on the scene.
Chubisi also adds that Ntombela will be having a candlelight and prayer session at the Mayibuye Community Hall, Jagersfontein, at 16:00 in memory of those who have been affected by the tragedy.
