The North West Provincial Government is still awaiting feedback on its request for dedicated funding for emergency relief as it shares the concern of farmers in the province who are affected by drought, North West Premier Thandi Modise said on Thursday.
Premier Modise said that the province had in April estimated that R37, 2 million was needed for fodder supply to mitigate the effects of drought for livestock in the province but worsening conditions dictate that more should be considered as crops are also affected.
"We are confident that our request will be favourably considered as there is appreciation that food security might be affected if there is no intervention as we are the food basket for the country," highlighted Modise.
The Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development had identified the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the National Disaster Management Centre and National Treasury as possible funders.
In considering the department’s motivation, Exco had earlier applauded the extend of immediate intervention by the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to mitigate drought through provision of emergency fodder to 6553 farmers in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and Ngaka Modiri Molema Districts.
One thousand three hundred and forty-two tons of fodder was distributed across 43 villages within the two districts at the cost of R7.2 million during the 3rd quarter of the past financial year.
The districts were the hardest hit as the province has experienced below normal rainfall for the past twelve months with nine dam levels ranging from moderately dry to extremely dry.
Extremely hot temperatures are forecasted during autumn, which will aggravate the drought conditions currently experienced in the province, the effects of which will be predominant during winter and spring.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele, Spokesperson
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
