Western Cape cabinet to consider request for Disaster classification | Western Cape Government

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Western Cape cabinet to consider request for Disaster classification

19 November 2015

The Western Cape Provincial cabinet will consider requesting its National counterparts for a provincial disaster classification before the end of the month.

Anton Bredell, the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, says the decision follows the provincial disaster management authority’s completion of its assessment of the provincial water situation.

“The assessments indicated more than one region or district municipality in the province is experiencing very dry and water-stressed conditions. In such an instance, by law, a provincial disaster classification is required. We will approach the Western Cape cabinet in this regard.”

It bears noting that no disaster area has been declared in the province to date and dam levels across the province remain on average around 70% full. Some areas are in more need than others and predictions of a dry and hot summer season are an additional cause for concern.

“At least four municipalities have already moved to implement water restrictions as a precautionary measure. More may follow over the coming months.”

Bredell warns that the water system is under pressure and is expected to come under additional pressure over the December holiday season when there will be an influx of visitors to the coastal areas across the Western Cape.

“Additionally the Western Cape Disaster Management Centre  remains hard at work updating its preparedness plans in the event of an escalation with regards to water challenges.”

Media Enquiries: 

James-Brent Styan
Spokesperson for the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell
Mobile:            084 583 1670
Telephone:     021 483 2820
E-mail:             James-Brent.Styan@westerncape.gov.za