The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) on Thursday assured that Tzaneen dam wall is not at risk despite the recent heavy rains in the Tzaneen dam catchment.

The rainfall has led to the dam spilling, which has raised numerous concerns, while several reports on social media platforms are circulating, claiming structural damage at the Tzaneen dam wall.

The DWS is currently implementing a mega project to raise the Tzaneen dam wall, which has resulted in the reduction of the existing dam wall by 4 m in preparation, with the construction of a new spillway structure under way.

According to a DWS statement, the temporary reduction in dam wall height is currently beneficial, as it allows water to flow over the reduced dam wall.

“In addition to the spillway discharge, diversion pipelines remain operational and are actively monitored by the appointed professional service provider (PSP) and controlled by DWS. Controlled releases are also being undertaken through the sluice valves under continuous supervision.”

With the dam under construction, the downstream slope protection paving bricks were removed as part of the approved construction works prior to the rainfall event, and several areas had been exposed but not completed by the onset of the rains.

“Such areas will naturally suffer surface erosion from intense and prolonged rainfall. Some temporary measures were implemented to mitigate the impact of rainfall-induced surface erosion.”

Following inspections after the rainfall, localised downstream embankment erosion was identified and, in response, the engineer issued immediate instructions for emergency temporary protection works.

These interventions are temporary emergency measures intended to stabilise the embankment and preserve structural integrity until permanent works can be safely implemented.

“The approved professional person and the PSP have confirmed that there is no immediate risk of structural failure of the dam, nor any threat to downstream homesteads.”

The dam remains operational and is being closely monitored in accordance with DWS operational procedures. The Emergency Preparedness Plan, compiled and updated in 2025, remains in place and can be activated should conditions escalate.

The PSP’s technical team remains on site and conducts daily inspections to assess the structural integrity of the dam.

Additional corrective measures will be implemented once site conditions are safe to allow work in wet environments. Once rainfall subsides, a detailed assessment will be undertaken to determine the extent of damage and the time lost.