National disaster declared over Cape drought challenges

The Western Cape Government has welcomed the national disaster declaration over growing water security challenges in various parts of the country.

The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department has declared the drought in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Northern Cape a national disaster.

Two weeks ago, the Western Cape Cabinet requested the disaster declaration as a preventative and risk management measure aimed at strengthening governance and coordination.

The classification gives municipal, provincial, and national departments access to funds to coordinate relief efforts.

Water restrictions are already in place in several municipalities across the Cape to try and prevent taps from running dry. Western Cape dam levels are sitting at just 50%, with below-average winter rainfall also forecast.

Head of Disaster Management, Colin Deiner, says cooperation to manage and save remaining water resources is crucial.

"We have established a provincial joint hazard operations centre which will prioritise the incidents and direct the allocation of limited operational and financial resources and provide an intergovernmental interface to support rapid escalation and decision making."

In an effort to save water, residents are urged to continue using water wisely.