Mbabane – The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy has warned communities living downstream of national dams to remain cautious as continued rainfall and upstream releases from South Africa keep dam levels at or above full capacity across Eswatini.
The ministry issued the notice today as the country remains at the peak of the wet season, with most major dams overflowing due to sustained inflows from local catchments and cross-border river systems.
According to the ministry, Maguga, Mnjoli, Lubovane and Hawane dams are all above 100 percent of their storage capacity and are currently spilling. Luphohlo Dam is slightly below full capacity at 98.26 percent.
“All dams continue to experience impressive capacities due to the continued rains received in the country and releases from dams in the Republic of South Africa,” the ministry said.
The statement said dam levels are expected to remain high if rainfall continues and if further releases are made upstream in neighbouring South Africa.
“All national dams Maguga, Mnjoli, Lubovane and Hawane dams are currently above 100 percent of storage capacity and overflowing,” the ministry said, adding that Luphohlo Dam remains close to full.
The ministry cautioned members of the public living downstream to be alert to rising river levels caused by ongoing spillages.
“The public positioned downstream of the dams are also warned to be cautious of the increased river levels due to spillage from the dams,” the statement said.
Figures released by the ministry show that as of January 30 2026, Maguga Dam on the Komati River, with a full supply storage of 332 million cubic metres, stood at 100.28 percent. Mnjoli Dam on the Black Mbuluzi River recorded 105.02 percent against a capacity of 177 million cubic metres.
Lubovane Dam on the Great Usuthu River, with a storage capacity of 155 million cubic metres, was at 101.57 percent, while Hawane Dam on the Black Mbuluzi River stood at 101 percent against a capacity of 2.75 million cubic metres.
Luphohlo Dam on the Lusushwana River, which has a full supply storage of 23.6 million cubic metres, dropped slightly from over 100 percent earlier in the month to 98.26 percent by January 30.
The ministry said it will continue to monitor dam levels closely as the rainy season progresses.
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