Municipality responds to low Bonkolo Dam water level fears

Bonkolo Dam levels raise alarm as Komani residents fear water shortages

Residents in Komani have raised growing concerns over the town’s water security after noticing low water levels at Bonkolo Dam and the ongoing shutdown of pumps at Xonxa Dam.

Community members have warned that if Bonkolo Dam runs dry while Xonxa remains offline, Komani could face serious water shortages. One resident said people were becoming increasingly anxious after observing that Bonkolo Dam “looks very low” and that pumping from Xonxa Dam is currently not taking place.

In response to these concerns, Komani News submitted a media query to Chris Hani District Municipality spokesperson Thobeka Mqamelo to clarify the situation and the measures in place to protect Komani’s water supply.

Three dams supply Komani, not Bonkolo alone

Mqamelo stressed that Komani does not rely on Bonkolo Dam alone for its water supply. The district municipality currently utilises three raw water sources for Komani, namely Waterdown Dam, Xonxa Dam and Bonkolo Dam.

Waterdown Dam is the main source supplying Komani, while also supplying the Whittlesea area. Bonkolo Dam, she explained, is mainly used as an emergency or supplementary source when challenges are experienced at the primary supply points.

Bonkolo used as backup despite low levels

According to the municipality, Bonkolo Dam is currently at 29% capacity, compared to 12% in January 2025. While this reflects an improvement, the dam has historically struggled to deliver a consistent yield due to irregular rainfall in the area.

Mqamelo noted that Bonkolo is used to augment raw water supply at the holding point when the main sources experience difficulties, rather than serving as Komani’s primary supply.

Xonxa pump station repairs under way

The municipality confirmed that the Xonxa pump station is currently on hold due to a failed 22 000-volt electricity breaker, which requires repairs by Eskom once replacement parts arrive in the country. In addition, two pumps at the station have mechanical faults.

A service provider is expected to begin mechanical repairs in the coming week. Once completed, the repairs are expected to stabilise raw water inflow into Komani’s water system.

Boreholes prepared as contingency measure

As an additional backup, the municipality has drilled two boreholes at the Berry Dam precinct. Processes to equip these boreholes will be activated should water shortages occur.

Once operational, the boreholes are expected to make a significant contribution to raw water supply to the water treatment works during periods of strain on the system.

Residents remain cautious

While the municipality has outlined several measures to secure water supply, residents say they remain cautious, particularly given the dependence on Eskom timelines for the restoration of Xonxa pumping.

Municipal officials have reiterated that multiple water sources are in place and that Bonkolo Dam alone does not determine Komani’s water security.