The Department of Local Government which co-ordinates Disaster Management in the Western Cape has taken note of the decision by the national cabinet with regards to assistance to drought stricken areas in the country.
Although this department has forwarded information with regards to drought conditions to the national Department of Provincial and Local Government, the Western Cape was not included at this stage. Provincial exclusions might not be the answer as drought is across regions and across provincial borders, as is the case in the northern regions of the province, bordering the Northern Cape.
However, we have been assured that the National Disaster Management Committee will be meeting every two weeks to access the situation and that the Western Cape will also be assessed on a continuous basis.
We will be in a position after the meeting on the 2nd of February at Elsenburg which this department has convened, to have detailed and specific information to strengthen the case of the Western Cape and its drought stricken communities. This meeting will be with all role-players, including government departments as well as all the District Municipalities and the City of Cape Town.
Current drought conditions have severe socio-economic consequences for the agricultural community in the Western Cape and this meeting will also access the preparedness and readiness to deal with a possible worsening of the situation.
The Provincial Government of the Western Cape as part of our commitment to disaster management in the Western Cape will do everything possible to alleviate the plight of those affected by the severe draught.
Enquiries: Jan BosmanCell: 083 775 5312
