The South African government has allocated approximately US $6m in relief funding. The funds should cater for the persistent drought in the Western Cape. The persistent drought in the country should serve as a reminder to the South Africans to conserve every drop of water. This is according to a released statement from the Cabinet.
The Cabinet further insisted to all in South Africa to exercise water conservation on a daily basis. They also said that the water levels are on a steady decline. This is despite the efforts already in place to ease the pressure on the country’s water sources. Moreover, the seasonal rain that could come as a relief is lower and normal. This means there is still more to be done with regards to water conservation.
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Measures taken
The Inter-Ministerial Task Team on Drought, led by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, continues to monitor the drought conditions and offer the required support through relevant sector departments to mitigate the situation.
Some of the measures include the Department of Water and Sanitation’s preparations for the implementation of the Berg River to Voelvlei Augmentation Scheme. The end of this month will see the decision for the Environmental Impact Assessment record granted.
The Minister of Water and Sanitation Nomvula Mokonyane has since directed the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority. This is with a view to raise the finance leading to implementation of the project. The Cabinet stated that talks with major uses are currently ongoing. When done, they will also approach the Ministers of Water and Sanitation together with Finance for purposes of concurrence. The two will set borrowing limits for the projects.
Cabinet finally expressed gratitude to those in South Africa who have heeded the call to save water, while asking others to follow suit for their benefit.
