Thursday, 23 January 2025

The recent heavy rains have significantly pushed up water levels in the Mvutshane Dam in Maphumulo under the ILembe District.

The water levels at the dam have reached the 75% mark which exceeds the stipulated safe operating limits which require the Mvutshane Dam to be maintained at between 70% and 80 % of its total capacity. In order to protect the integrity of the dam structure, the excess water must be released.

For this reason, uMngeni-uThukela Water will at 10am on Friday, 24 January 2025, be releasing water from Mvutshane in order to achieve the stipulated safety levels. The released water will significantly increase the levels of the Hlimbithwa and Umvoti Rivers.

UMngeni-uThukela appeals to the public to practice caution and avoid crossing these rivers and low lying bridges as any attempt to do so could pose a risk of drowning or getting washed away. We further urge communities to safeguard any property, including livestock, located on riverbanks while the water releases are in progress.

The release of water from the Mvutshane Dam will be stopped once the water reaches 70% or less of the dam’s storage capacity.