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Table J31: Category classification of dams with a safety risk.
Size class Hazard potential rating
low significant high
Small Category I Category 11 Category 11
Medium Category 11 Category 11 Category III
Large Category III Category III Category III
Source: After Anonymous, 1986. Republic of South Africa Government Gazette No.
10366 of the 25th July 1986, Government Printer, Pretoria, 28 p.
(Government Regulation Notice GN R1560/86).
All existing dams with a safety risk must be re-examined at intervals of not more than five
years (following the initial safety inspection). Safety requirements for Category 11 and III
dams are considerably more stringent than for Category I dams, and involve inspections
by registered professional engineers meeting certain criteria. Plans for the construction or
alteration of Category 11 and III dams must be submitted to the Department by these
engineers, who must also supervise the work. Various other control measures apply to
Category III dams. Owners of dams with a safety risk must apply appropriate operational
procedures to prevent people or property downstream of the dam, from being flooded
without warning by sudden changes in water levels. A subsidy is payable to farmers.
irrigation boards and certain local authorities for costs incurred in complying with dam
safety regulations. The subsidy only applies to dams built before the 25th of January
1987. or if construction began before this date. Permission to build a private dam in Natal
must include an application to the Wetlands Advisory Committee, clo the Department of
Agriculture, Private Bag X9059, Pietermaritzburg, 3200, if there is a possibility of damage
to, or flooding of wetlands.
For further information consult the following:
• Anonymous, 1986. Interim guidelines on safety in relation to floods: safety
evaluation of dams. Report No. 1, South African [National] Committee on Large
Dams, Pretoria, 36 p.