Statement by Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development

23 January 2016

 Statement by Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell.

 WC Water Update

 The average water level for dams across the Western Cape has fallen to below 40%.

Anton Bredell, the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, says despite hard work done to reduce water consumption, water use remains high and dam levels keep falling fast. Bredell says the water situation in the Western Cape is not yet at a crisis level, despite some areas having been declared disaster areas over the past year.

“It is massively concerning to see dam levels on average at 39.4%. We are still some way off from our rainy season and therefore, once more, call on consumers to assist us in using water responsibly. We are constantly monitoring the situation and municipalities are implementing additional measures including restrictions and tariff increases where necessary.”

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

ENDS.