MTHATHA – The head of dam safety at the Department of Water and Sanitation, says the Mthatha Dam does not have sluice gates.
The dam only has spillways which release water when it reaches a certain capacity.
And therefore, no one could control the flow of water, that led to flooding.
On Monday, the bitterly cold winter storm struck the largely rural and underdeveloped province, causing a river to burst its banks and submerge homes, with several make-shift dwellings toppled.
The worst-hit area was around the city of Mthatha, with 86 reported to have died from the floods.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a day of remembrance to be declared to mourn those who have died.
Ramphosa visited the area on Friday.
The search continues.
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