Statement by Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development

22 November 2016

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

 WC Drought Update

 The ongoing drought continues to take a toll on the Western Cape with the most affected regions the West Coast and the Central Karoo districts. In those two regions extreme drought is affecting almost 400 settlements. Across the province, the average dam level has dropped to 55%.

 Anton Bredell, the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, briefed the media today on the current drought situation in the Western Cape. Bredell said five municipalities in the province have been declared local disaster areas.

“These are Central Karoo District; West Coast District; Witzenberg; Prince Albert and Oudtshoorn.”

 The minister provided the following regional updates:

Overall the situation in the Eden district can be classified as low risk as most municipalities have water availability for 6 months and more.

 In the Central Karoo district, all towns depend either solely or partially on borehole-water. The yields are good and have stabilized from dropping after the rains received during the summer. Water restrictions have been put in place and awareness programs are in place to aid in saving water. All the farms in the region received rain during the winter but not enough to fill dams and for sufficient growth in the plants.

 In the West Coast District Municipality matters remain serious. All Municipalities have instituted 20% water restrictions.

 All four municipalities in the Overberg District reported that there is no immediate crisis in their areas; however, certain towns (Grabouw and Villiersdorp) in Theewaterskloof will be subject to the same water restrictions as the CoCT.

 The Cape Winelands municipalities who adhere to the same water restrictions as the City of Cape Town has been classified as medium risk.

Finally, the City of Cape Town sees levels of Dams significantly lower this year in comparison to the same time last year. As a result, the City is implementing level 3 water restrictions. In addition, tariffs associated with these water restrictions will come into effect from 01 December 2016.

 “The department has a number of mitigation measures in place and we continuously monitor the situation. We want to call on the public to continue to use water responsibly,” said Bredell.

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

 ENDS.