Piggs Peak- The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy has reported a sharp rise in dam levels across Eswatini following heavy rains that swept through the country over the weekend and continued into this week. The update was issued yesterday as authorities assessed the impact of the wet conditions on national water systems.
According to the ministry, most major dams recorded significant inflows as rivers rose rapidly nationwide. Lubovane dam reached 101.75 percent and has started overflowing. Mnjoli stands at 97.50 percent, Maguga at 96.20 percent, Luphohlo at 79.56 percent and Hawane at 93.00 percent. Officials said the figures are likely to rise further as the country is firmly within the wet season.
Regional updates from neighbouring South Africa show additional inflows heading toward Eswatini’s rivers. Spillage from Heyshope dam is expected to increase the flow of the Mkhondvo River. Morgenstond dam spillage is set to affect the Ngwempisi River while Vygeboom dam is pushing more water into Maguga dam with a strong possibility of increased flow into the Komati River.
The ministry has urged communities, farmers and other water users to exercise caution as river levels continue to surge due to spillages both inside the country and from across the border.
Below are the latest dam storage levels recorded between 17 and 25 November:
Mnjoli dam on the Black Mbuluzi River has risen from 91 percent to 97.50 percent out of a full storage of 177 million cubic meters.
Lubovane dam on the Great Usuthu River increased from 101.13 percent to 101.75 percent out of 155 million cubic meters.
Maguga dam on the Komati River climbed from 87.72 percent to 96.20 percent out of 332 million cubic meters.
Hawane dam on the Black Mbuluzi River rose from 55 percent to 93 percent out of 2.75 million cubic meters.
Luphohlo dam on the Lusushwana River increased from 63 percent to 79.56 percent out of 23.6 million cubic meters.
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