As water levels surge past dangerous thresholds, business owners along the Vaal River are speaking out, demanding action from the government to protect their livelihoods. On Sunday, the Department of Water and Sanitation opened a fifth sluice gate at the Vaal Dam, raising fears of widespread destruction. The move comes after the dam reached a dangerous 106% capacity, triggering flooding risks that could devastate homes, businesses, and agriculture.
Local entrepreneurs are especially concerned, with some, like Kathy Manten, pointing out that earlier intervention could have lessened the blow. “If water storage was limited to 100% instead of 106%, we’d have more control when severe weather hits,” she said. This plea for better flood management reflects the frustration of a community grappling with recurring floods and minimal solutions.
While authorities have issued flood warnings year after year, Saturday’s unexpected rise in water levels prompted emergency evacuations—leaving little time for people to protect property or find safer ground. As more rain looms, local residents and businesses are left wondering: Is the government prepared to act before it’s too late?
How can communities better balance growth with nature’s unpredictable forces? It’s a question worth pondering as the floods threaten again.
