WEEKLY UPDATE: Dam levels continue to drop

File image: IOL

File image: IOL

Published Mar 5, 2018

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The average dam level across the Western Cape over the past week was 20.3% compared to 21.3% the previous week.

Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell, said the water situation the provinces 30 municipalities is relatively stable thanks to continued interventions, however the agriculture sector remains a major concern.

“From a disaster management point of view, we are now starting to plan and prepare for next season when we may see similar water constraints, especially if we don’t get the rainfall we need in this coming winter. We need to retain as much water in storage as possible as we go into the summer of 2018/19,"

Bredell said. 

Theewaterskloof is currently at 10.7% (2017: 26.03%); Voëlvlei Dam is at 15.5% (2017: 31.2%) and Clanwilliam Dam 8% (2017: 30%). Bergrivier 49.6% (2017: 39.2%).

“In both the departments we are dealing with – Cogta and the Department of Water and Sanitation – there are now new ministers in charge. I look forward to establishing a sound and productive working relationship with our new colleagues. We are available at their convenience to meet on the drought situation and I look forward to taking hands and tackling this crisis together. Only by working better together will we be able to provide long term sustainable solutions to the public," Bredell said. 

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