23.01.2026
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Department warns of imminent risk of failure at a Mpumalanga dam

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  • Senteeko Dam in Mpumalanga also known as My Own Dam.

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has issued an urgent warning to the public regarding the imminent risk of failure at My Own Dam, also known as Senteeko Dam, located in the Die Kaap River catchment in Mpumalanga.

The dam, which is owned by the Shamile Communal Property Association (CPA) and used for irrigation, has been found to have a severely compromised spillway structure.

An emergency safety assessment by the DWS Dam Safety Office revealed advanced erosion and undercutting, resulting in structural instability.

Officials warn that the dam could fail without further notice.

An uncontrolled release of water could occur at anytime, posing a serious threat to downstream communities, infrastructure, and the environment.

Residents and businesses located downstream are urged to evacuate flood-prone areas immediately and follow all instructions from disaster management authorities and emergency services.

Public access to the dam site has been strictly prohibited.

The department has emphasized that current emergency interventions are temporary and do not prevent full or partial failure of the dam.

The DWS is coordinating response efforts with relevant authorities and will provide further updates as the situation develops. The department has stressed that the protection of life remains its highest priority.

Members of the public are also urged to share verified information responsibly to avoid the spread of rumors and misinformation.

Spokesperson of the Department of Water and Sanitation, Wisane Mavasa, says, “An emergency safety assessment is conducted by the departments dam safety offices, (and has) confirmed that the dam spillway structure has suffered severe and irreversible deterioration including advanced erosion and undercutting leading to structural instability. Failure of the dam is imminent without any further warning. A non controlled release of water will likely impose an immediate and serious threats to downstream communities, infrastructure and the environment,” says Mavasa.

Mavasa says people resident or operating downstream of the day should evacuate.

“Public access to the dam is strictly prohibited at this moment. The department is coordinating response actions with relevant authorities and will issue further updates as required,” says Mavasa.

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