Issued by: Department of Water Affairs and Forestry
NEWS RELEASE
FLOOD RELEASE FROM THE PONGOLAPOORT DAM 11 MARCH 1996
A flood release from the Pongolapoort Dam will commence on 12 March 1996. The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry has announ- ced that after consultation with the inhabitants of the Pongola Flood Plain via the thirteen local Water Committees, as well as all other involved parties and organisations, a flood release of 50 m3/s, rising to 850 m3/s from the Pongolapoort Dam will commence on 12 March 1996 at 08:00. The flood will be released over a period of 13 days.
The maximum flow of approximately 850 m3/s will be reached at 18:00 on Wednesday 13 March 1996 and maintained for 45 hours, after which it will be reduced, over 9 days, to a low of 5 m3/s on 24 March 1996 at 18:00.
The Pongolapoort Dam is currently at its highest level since construction, namely 94%. In order to reduce the chance of uncon- trolled flooding over the spillway, it has been decided to lower the storage to 80% of its capacity. The release was delayed after consultation with the local inhabitants, to enable them to complete harvesting their crops.
A total volume of 315 million cubic metres will be released and the flood should reach the Pokolo/Nsimbi/Mthekeni complex on 16 March 1996 and Masakhane's Drift two days later.
Farmers around the periphery of the dam are cautioned to ensure that their cattle do not wander into the mud left by the receding water.
As in the past, the flood release will be closely monitored by the Department.
ENQUIRIES: JOE HANSMANN MR PERKINS TEL: (031) 306 1367