Statement by Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development | Western Cape Government

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Statement by Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development

10 October 2017

 WC Water Update – High level talks continue

 The average level for dams across the Western Cape for the week starting 9 October is 36%. In the corresponding period last year, dam levels were at 63%.

 Anton Bredell, the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape says the severity of the crisis cannot be underestimated.

“We are calling on all stakeholders including members of the public to take all the steps they can to drive down water use at their homes and businesses. We are doing everything within our power to ensure no community runs dry over the coming months but we must advise that matters will in all likelihood only get worse from here on out until our next rainfall season.”

 Bredell met with the National Minister of Water and Sanitation last week where several ongoing augmentation schemes were discussed.

“We had a productive meeting and I remain confident that all three spheres of government working better together can pull the province through this drought.”

Bredell is also set to appear before the National Portfolio committee on water and sanitation within the next few days to discuss the ongoing crisis.

“We look forward to discussing further solutions and support. Other entities that have been invited includes both national and local government and stakeholders in the water and disaster environments. At the same time our augmentation interventions remain ongoing across the province with a key focus on the most vulnerable areas including hospitals and schools.”

 Theewaterskloof is currently at 27.6% (2016: 52.8%); Voëlvlei Dam is at 2732% (2016: 71%) and Clanwilliam Dam 40% (2016: 100%). Brandvlei Dam is 32% (2016: 57%).

 The latest dam level data per the National Department of Water and Sanitation:

 

ENDS.

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