FOLLOWING reports of the privately owned Tiryvillle Dam near Kariega being at risk of failure due to the recent flash floods, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) said that it is investigating its integrity.
On Tuesday, 4 May, a spokesperson for DWS Wisane Mavasa said a team of engineers had been dispatched to assess the condition of the dam and is in continuous engagement with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.
She says it has been established that the dam is a concrete structure which ideally should be able to cope with water flowing over the dam wall.
However, due to a lack of historical information on the condition of the dam, it is prudent to treat the dam as a possible high risk and to take measures to safeguard the lives of the communities living downstream of the dam, the DWS said.
On Monday approximately 200 families living at Lapland informal settlement and surrounds were evacuated.
Mavasa says details of the owner of the farm dam are not known as the dam is not registered as a dam with safety risk with the DWS safety office.
She said they will advise the Metro on any measures to be taken.