Dam levels Update – Water Masterplan welcomed | Western Cape Government

News

Dam levels Update – Water Masterplan welcomed

3 February 2020

The latest average dam level for the Western Cape province is 51.9% (2019: 46.6%). The dams providing water to the City of Cape Town, are combined, 69.9% full.

Anton Bredell, the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape has further welcomed the National Water and Sanitation masterplan, released by Minister Lindiwe Sisulu.

Bredell says the report ranks all nine provinces in terms of Reliability of Water Supply and Sanitation Services and ranks the Western Cape number 1.

The report points out the Western Cape is outperforming every other province on every level including:

  • Municipalities are achieving water savings of 24.6%.
  • The sanitation backlog is at 4.22% of households, the lowest in country.

“This report corresponds with reports from Stats SA and the Auditor General who have each reported before that when it comes to the provision of basic services to all citizens including the poor and indigent, no-one is doing it better or delivering more than the Western Cape. I want to commend our municipalities who are working hard to further improve on their outcomes despite severe challenges including stringent budget cuts hampering the expansion of critical infrastructure.”

Bredell says when it comes to the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment works and sewerage infrastructure, the situation is monitored via the Green Drop assessment.

“According to the National Department’s report, the Western Cape scored a Green Drop mark of 83.1%, the highest for all the provinces. We’re aware of challenges in some areas and they are being addressed, but overall I want to acknowledge the effort that is going in at municipal level.”

Major Dam statistics

Voëlvlei dam – 71.2 % full this week (2018: 73.2%. Last week: 72.7%)

Bergriver Dam 83.5% full this week (2018: 81%. Last week: 85.1%).

Theewaterskloof dam – 63.2% full this week (2018: 45.2%. Last week: 64.7%)

Clanwilliam Dam 44%. (2018: 50.6%. Last week: 49%) 

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