Statement by Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development

The average level for dams across the Western Cape for the week starting 28 May was 19% (2017: 18%). Last week at this time the level was 16.6%.

Anton Bredell, the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape says it is heartening to see dam levels increasing.

“Most major dams in the Western Cape are showing slight increases. The Voëlvlei dam (currently 16.6% full this week versus 14.2% last week), the Theewaterskloof dam (14.7% full this week versus 11.8% last week)) and the Bergriver Dam (42% full this week versus 37% last week) are all showing slight improvements.”

Bredell has cautioned that the drought is still far from over.

“We have always warned that we need an above average rainfall season and it needs to rain in the catchment areas for our dams to recover adequately. We are not close to feeling comfortable yet and we want to urge the public to continue to use water sparingly even if it is raining and even if dam levels are improving.”

Bredell says it is imperative that the dams in the province recover as much as possible ahead of the coming summer months.

“The province is a winter rainfall area and we are grateful that the rains seem to be coming this year.”

The prospects for more rain remain optimistic with the SA Weather Services (SAWS) predicting good rainfall as early as Monday Afternoon (28 May). This could lead to localised flooding in areas across the Western Cape.

Bredell has called on the public to contact the relevant disaster management entities as quickly as possible should an emergency occur.

He has also called on communities to cooperate with local authorities and emergency response personnel in the event of any emergency.

“The easiest number to remember to call in an emergency is 112. This number can be dialled toll-free from any cell phone.”

ENDS.