Low dam levels still experienced in North West Province
According to the Department of Water and Sanitation’s (DWS) latest dam levels’ report, North West Province has the lowest average provincial dam levels in South Africa.
Dams such as Johan Neser Dam, Kromellenboog, Lyndlespoort and Rietspruit in the North West Province have declined in storage levels. As such DWS has already imposed abstraction restrictions on Kromellenboog dam and Lyndlespoort dam. This has impacted negatively on food production as these dams are used for agricultural purposes.
South Africa receives an annual rainfall of 500 millimetres whereas the rest of the world receives 985 millimetres. In order to mitigate against the drought effects, dam operating rules countrywide have been applied to 35 dams and 4 systems where restrictions are currently applied with regard to the water resource (mandatory restrictions on domestic and agricultural use).
Earlier this year, the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms Nomvula Mokonyane indicated that it can take more than three years for dam levels to recover to acceptable operating capacities, given the effects of a strong El Nino weather phenomenon. The department also estimates that an additional 3 000 million m3 per annum of water will be needed to meet the projected demand in 2030 to ensure adequate resources available for socio-economic development.
Acting Regional Head in the North West Region, Dr Tseliso Ntili, stressed that with water restrictions being imposed in dams, community participation in mitigating against the effects of drought is necessary and water conservation should be a way of life for all.
He said that with 3 008 202 people affected by drought in the North West Province, some of the most effective ways of conserving water in dams and streams is through the removal of invasive alien plants as they consume a lot of water, avoiding activities that can pollute dams and rivers, using the drip irrigation system and collaborating with community leaders in advocating for water conservation messages in schools, churches, clinics and the community at large.
So far restrictions on the following dams have also been applied, Koster, Sehujwane, Marico Bosveld, Kromellenboog, Swartruggens, Pella, Molatedi, Madikwe and Wentzel.
Enquiries:
Sputnik Ratau
DWS Media Liaison Director
Cell: 082 874 2942
