The department said a contractor is already on site and undertaking maintenance preparations under the guidance of its engineering and technical specialists. Bloemhof Dam is at 109% capacity as dams within the integrated Vaal River System continue to be operated at elevated levels to strengthen water security. This is being managed alongside the need to control potential flooding when high inflows occur across the system.

Rehabilitation of the damaged slope will require a dry working area before repair work can begin. To achieve this, water will steadily be released from Bloemhof Dam to bring its level down to the full supply level of 100%.

A release of approximately 400m³ per second will be implemented until the target level is reached, which is expected to take between one and two weeks. The department said the planned release will not cause flooding downstream.

“Further analyses are being carried out to establish the dam level at which the objectives of dam safety, water security and flood management can be balanced,” it said in a statement.

“However, it should be noted that dam safety takes precedence, and should a directive be received from the dam safety office to maintain the dam at a specific level, it will be legally binding for the department to operate Bloemhof Dam accordingly.

“The department remains committed to transparent communication and will continue to engage stakeholders and provide regular updates as the maintenance programme progresses. The public can be assured that every effort is being made to complete the repairs as quickly and safely as possible while safeguarding the long-term resilience of this strategic water resource.”

In May, reports showed Free State provincial dams collectively reaching 106.7% capacity, compared with 101.3% during the same period last year. Several major dams in the province also exceeded or approached their full supply levels, including Krugersdrift Dam, which was recorded at more than 100% capacity.

Gariep Dam, the largest dam in the country, also experienced significant inflows and was recorded at more than 109% capacity during the reported period.

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