KROONSTAD – Valuable water is flowing out of the Serfontein Dam into the Vals River outside Kroonstad after its sluice gates were opened, raising concerns among residents about the loss of a vital water resource ahead of a potentially dry summer.
The gates were opened on 23 September, but could not be closed again despite attempts by municipal workers.
The gates have reportedly been faulty for years, leaving water flowing out of the dam at a time when the region is facing concerns about prolonged dry conditions.
Residents are demanding answers about why the gates were opened, particularly amid concerns about a possible El Niño weather pattern and its potential impact on water supplies.
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Important storage and diversion facility
Serfontein Dam, situated on the Vals River upstream of Kroonstad, serves as an important storage and diversion facility in the town’s water supply system.
Water released or overflowing from the dam flows downstream into the lower water systems, where it is pumped into Bloemhoek Dam, the main reservoir supplying Kroonstad’s urban and industrial areas.
“The last thing Kroonstad needs is for water to go to waste, especially when water cannot be pumped from Groblers Dam to Bloemhoek Dam, the main reservoir supplying the Moqhaka municipal area,” said Tharia Unwin, a Kroonstad resident.
Unwin, who was camping at Serfontein Dam last week, said the water level had dropped by approximately half a metre within 48 hours.
According to her, members of the staff at the dam had seen municipal workers opening the gates, but the mechanisms appeared unable to close properly again, possibly because debris had become lodged in them.
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Chris Dalton, the DA mayoral candidate for the Moqhaka Local Municipality, said he had submitted an enquiry to the relevant department seeking clarity on the incident and the reasons behind the open gates.
Dalton said the municipality was in the process of attempting to remove debris that are actively preventing the gates from closing.
He had also planned a site inspection, with a report expected to follow. Additional concerns have also been raised about the operational status of the pumps at Bloemhoek Dam, which plays a crucial role in supplying water to the area.
Repairs to restore the electricity supply
According to Dalton, the municipality had indicated that efforts were under way to clear the gates at the pump station and close them – making the installation of the main pump possible.
However, a faulty transformer has hampered progress, with repairs still needed to restore the electricity supply.
The municipality was reportedly investigating whether a smaller transformer could be sourced to get a smaller pump operational while the necessary repairs were being carried out.
VrystaatKroon has also sent an enquiry to Dika Kheswa, spokesperson for the Moqhaka Local Municipality, and is still awaiting a response.
