Eden drought press release

17 December 2009

Introduction of emergency tariffs

The Eden district is still gripped by a serious drought, said Mr Anton Bredell, MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. He said although it has rained in the past two weeks, rainfall throughout the region is still at historical lows. There is no immediate relief in sight as the forecast for the next three months is for hot, dry weather.

In light of the serious situation, the national Disaster Management Centre has classified the drought as a disaster, and subsequently a state of local disaster has been declared by the Eden district municipality and the municipalities of Mossel Bay, George, Knysna and Bitou.

The most effective way to solve the current water shortage is to cut water consumption, and the most effective way to cut water consumption is to increase the price of water, especially for people who use excessive amounts of water. Although municipalities are generally not allowed to increase their water tariffs during a budget year, the national Minister of Finance, Mr Pravin Gordhan, this week authorised the implementation of emergency water tariffs for the coastal municipalities in the Eden district. This was in recognition of the deteriorating situation in the Eden district.

In addition, the Department of Water Affairs is in the process of introducing water restrictions for agricultural water users. Provincial government is actively assisting municipalities to implement sustainable solutions. The province mobilised R53 million in national emergencies funding for the Mossel Bay, George and Knysna Municipalities. This money is being used for boreholes, desalination facilities, and the treatment of effluent water.

The provincial Disaster Management Centre is confident that none of the towns will run dry during the festive season if locals as well as holiday makers respect the water restrictions.

Enquiries:

Heini Odendal

Cell: 084 510 3258

Issued by: Department of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Western Cape Provincial Government
17 December 2009