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

16 July 2018

WC Water Update

16 July 2018

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

Dam levels in the Western Cape have continued to increase, now reaching an average level of 48.7% across the province. Last year at this time dams were still at 25%. The dams feeding the City of Cape Town are standing at 54.7% (2017: 26%).

Anton Bredell, the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape says the biggest dam in the province, the Theewaterskloof dam, has now reached 40%.

“The dam was in a terrible state only weeks ago, reaching levels of below 10%. It is reassuring to see the levels increasing to above 40% and the levels are expected to continue rising.”

Bredell says the situation in the Gouritz River Catchment area remains serious.

“This area feeds the Karoo, Groot Karoo and Langkloof regions. The necessary relief has not yet been felt in this area.”

Bredell says the provincial situation began turning around towards the end of April, with an average dam level for the province of 16%. “We are now nearing 50% and there is still a month and a half of the winter left. We remain hopeful for further rainfall but continue to urge consumers to keep water use low ahead of the coming summer season.”

Major Dam statistics

Theewaterskloof dam – 40.3% full this week (2017: 20.3%. Last week: 38.5%)

Voëlvlei dam – 54% full this week (2017: 21%. Last week: 52%)

Bergriver Dam 85% full this week (2017: 37%. Last week: 83%).

Clanwilliam Dam 96.2%. (2017: 22%. Last week: 98.2%) 

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