George declared local disaster area as Garden Route water crisis worsens

The George municipal council has officially resolved to declare the Garden Route town a local disaster area due to severe water challenges and the current drought conditions. 

The municipality is experiencing critical water shortages following prolonged below-average rainfall, which is expected to continue.

George is the second town on the Garden Route to be declared a local disaster area in recent weeks, as the region faces an intensifying water shortage.

The Garden Route Dam, the main water source for George, is at 44.7% compared to 87.8% last year. 

The Haarlem Dam, supplying Haarlem and Uniondale, is at 24% compared to 85.4% last year. 

George municipality spokesperson Ntobeko Mangqwengwe said Uniondale’s supply from the Kammanassie River is also severely depleted, with limited groundwater available. 

“Level 2D water restrictions and Level 3 emergency tariffs are in effect to reduce consumption and manage operational pressures. Residents and businesses are urged to use water sparingly and comply with all restrictions during this critical period,” Mangqwengwe said