With less rainfall expected in the approaching winter season, Chris Hani District Municipality spokesperson, Thobeka Mqamelo said above average rain was still needed for some dams to reach satisfactory levels in the region.
The Xonxa Dam which augments the Komani water supply is at 101.6%, Enoch Mgijima’s Waterdown Dam is at 14.7%, a concern for Whittlesea areas that rely solely on that source.
Mqamelo said a difference was evident with dam levels in some parts, while areas like Sterkstroom and Molteno recorded between 150 and 200mm of rain.
“January pushed dam levels to 70% for the Carnavon Estates Dam which was near empty in December when it was below 15%. Paradise Dam in Molteno is at 75%, bringing much-needed relief to the area,” she said.
Emalahleni Local Municipality’s Macubeni Dam in Cacadu is at 99% but in contract the Anderson Dam in Dordrecht is critically low at 32%. The Doornrivier Dam at Indwe is at 63.3%. and in Intsika Yethu, the Ncora Dam is at 85.3%; Lubisi at 31.5% and Tsojana 91.2%.
The Sakhisizwe, Cala area and Engcobo areas, which largely depend on springs and rivers, have improved to satisfactory levels; while the Thompson Dam at Elliot is at 100% – an increase from 30% .
