THE Berg Water Dam project in Franchhoek has reached another important milestone.
Yesterday the flood release gates of the Berg River Dam were tested under the current reservoir conditions, now 50 percent full. It will again be tested today. This testing constituted the final phase of the project.
The procedure for the testing of the gates involves the release of small volumes of water up to 50 cubic metres, or 50 000 litres per second yesterday.
Today larger volumes of water up to 200 cubic metres or 200 000 litres per second will be released, raising the river level.
The testing of the dam components is required to ensure that the systems and procedures that have been put in place are adequate, and will operate efficiently and safely during normal operating conditions.
Members of the public and all stakeholders, especially the farmers and communities adjacent to the Berg River, were advised that the testing would result in the release of volumes of water that are no larger in magnitude than what can be expected during normal high flows in an average winter.
Precautions have been put in place and the disaster management officials from the three downstream municipalities, Stellenbosch, Drakenstein and the Cape Winelands District, are involved in monitoring and ensuring the safety of the public during this important final phase of the project.
