The Department of Water and Sanitation is investigating the Tiryville Dam in the Eastern Cape over concerns it may collapse after recent floods. The privately owned dam, located near Kariega, is being assessed by engineers to ensure its structural integrity. While the dam is a concrete structure designed to handle overflow, historical data on its condition is lacking. The department considers the dam potentially high risk and has taken preventative measures, including evacuating 200 families downstream in the Lapland informal settlement. The dam’s owner remains unidentified as it is not registered with the department’s dam safety agency. Collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and local disaster management teams is ongoing, and a detailed update will follow upon completion of the investigation. The department’s priority is to protect the lives of nearby communities.
– Sithandiwe Velaphi
Original Source: News24
Date: 2024-06-01 12:00:00
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