As the water situation in the Western Cape continues to deteriorate, the agricultural sector has been hit by additional water restrictions to curb high usage.
The Department of Water and Sanitation has informed those of the sector of 10% additional water restrictions.
The water restrictions will remain until the dams in the province, which are currently under 40%, fill up to 85% of their capacity,” Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) Jeff Radebe said on Wednesday during the Post Cabinet meeting briefing.
“In order to assist with the difficulties with regard to water availability in the Western Cape, attempts need to be instituted to provide greater comfort in the form of additional alternate water supply sources that must be on standby should inadequate water be received for this season,” Radebe said.
Meanwhile, in Gauteng, water restrictions have been lifted due to healthy rains which saw dams such as the Vaal reach 100% capacity levels.
Minister Radebe welcomed these rains, adding that they will go a long way in relieving the country from the effects of drought.
Cabinet also welcomed the progress made in the distribution of animal feeds to support farmers in the country’s drought affected areas.
The initiative is part of the R212 million in support, which government has made available in 2016/17 to assist affected farmers across the country.
[Image CC 0 Wokandapix]
