For the first time in 21 years eight Vaal Dam gates have been opened to assist with flood management

The Department of Water and Sanitation says it’s the first time in 21 years that eight Vaal Dam gates have been opened to assist with flood management. The decision to open the gates came in the wake of recent heavy rains. The Vaal Dam is part of the integrated Vaal river system and includes 14 dams. Water Department spokesperson Sputnik Ratau said by opening the gates infrastructure is protected from collapsing. Ratau said the Vaal Dam has reached a level of 100.49% The department says it is monitoring the weather and inflows into the system. Meanwhile, it has been reported extensive damage has been done to road infrastructure and informal settlements due to flash flooding around Gauteng.