Photo by: Duane Daws
Amid looming water shortages in the Cederberg and Matzikama local municipalities as a result of the low level of the Clanwilliam dam, the Western Cape government is closely monitoring the impact of unusually dry seasonal weather in some regions across the province.
While the the dam level was currently at 88%, this was regarded as critically low for this period of the year, Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Minister Anton Bredell explained, noting that local municipalities were currently undertaking various awareness programmes and water restrictions in these three areas.
Economic Opportunities Minister Alan Winde added that he was concerned about the impact of water shortages on agriculture – a leading export sector – and the economy.
“No area has been declared a disaster area yet, [but] we are highly concerned and are monitoring the situation closely. Dam levels across the province are down compared with last year, which has consequences for certain regions.
“The Karoo is very dry and the West Coast is also being impacted by lower rainfall. There is, however, still a chance of rain, which could change the situation. We will be routinely assessing the situation over the next few weeks,” he assured.
Winde pointed out that, in the event of a disaster being declared, a request for funding would have to be submitted to the National Treasury through the National Disaster Management Centre.
According to legislation, farmers could not be compensated for loss of income owing to a national disaster, as assistance could only be granted in the case of damaged infrastructure.
“The National Department of Labour may also be approached to assist with providing financial assistance to farmers to retain employed farm workers. In certain instances, the department could also support farmers by facilitating talks with commercial banks or the Land Bank on rescheduling payments of current production,” he commented.
Bredell added that water shortages and low rainfall raised the risk profile for the agriculture sector, in particular.
“The message is always – don’t waste water. Even when there is no defined shortage in a particular area, use water wisely,” he said.