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

31 October 2017

WC Water Update

The average level for dams across the Western Cape for the week starting 30 October is 36.3% (2016: 61%).

Anton Bredell, the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape says the number one priority for the provincial disaster management team at the moment is to avoid a day zero scenario.

“There’s two ways to avoid the taps running dry: by reducing water usage, and producing more water supply. We can avoid running out of water, but only if we work together. This is a partnership between residents and government.”

Bredell appeared before the National Portfolio committee on water and sanitation in parliament last week where he provided an update on the work being done in the Western Cape to ensure communities have drinking water despite the ongoing drought.

“We must all take hands together and ensure we can provide water to all our communities going forward. The real driver at present is getting more water into the system urgently and in this regard it’s all on the table, desalination, groundwater extraction and bulk water re-use.”

Bredell says talks last week were fruitful and the province will continue to urgently engage its national counterparts regarding disaster funding and collaboration between the spheres.

“In addition, we call on everyone to keep reducing their water consumption. There are still too many incidents being reported of water wastage and people perhaps not being aware of the severity of the ongoing drought. Please spread the word and help us get through the summer.”

 Theewaterskloof is currently at 27% (2016: 51%); Voëlvlei Dam is at 29% (2016: 71%) and Clanwilliam Dam 39% (2016: 99%). Brandvlei Dam is 33% (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