Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Honourable Des van Rooyen, in his capacity as the chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Task Team (IMTT) on drought, was briefed by member departments.
The briefing was on the current status of drought, its impact and government interventions. A number of interventions geared to mitigating the negative impact of drought as a results of the below normal rainfall, increased maximum temperatures and heat waves that the country has experienced thus far. This shortage of rain resulted in one of the worst drought and water shortages in the country.
The Head of the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), Mr Ken Terry indicated that all sectors in the country are affected, with agriculture being the worst. The availability of livestock feed and water for both human and livestock is another major challenge. The conditions in the affected areas are further exacerbated by factors such as poor state of water related infrastructure, water losses and the lack of implementation of stringent water conservation measures.
The drought conditions are continuing and this led to water restrictions being enforced in provinces other than those worst affected. Concerns were raised regarding the generalized declarations by provinces without taking into consideration the actual conditions on the ground, available resources within municipalities and provinces, as well as the inclusion of non-drought related matters such as lack of maintenance and vandalism of infrastructure.
The Minister was informed that although there has been some rains in some areas across the country, they did not make any impact as the country is still experiencing severe drought conditions. The meeting also noted that recovery from this drought conditions will still take more time.
The Minister was further briefed on the interventions by various sectors, that includes looking at alternative sources of water, supporting farmers and putting in place water restrictions.
“Minister van Rooyen called on all South Africans to join hands with government and other sectors to use water sparingly as the country is clearly facing a major challenge”. We need to take a proper programme of action in dealing with this crisis.
The Minister urged all sectors and departments to engage communities across the country, explaining the impact of this natural phenomenon. “South Africans are more strong and unite better when tested, as such working together we can safe water,” said Minister van Rooyen.
The Minister urged the IMTT member departments to continue working with other sectors to mitigate the impact of this drought. Even though El Nino is no longer there, there is a chance that the country might experience La Nino which might be charectarised by heavy rains and floods, as such the Minister urged that plans must be put in place.
In conclusion, the Minister encouraged all stakeholders to continue the momentum on implementing stringent measures and restrictions on water use.
Enquiries:
Legadima Leso
COGTA Communications
Cell: 083 378 9495
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