WC Premier says they’ve submitted two requests to CoGTA for provincial disaster declaration
The Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, has announced that his office has submitted two formal requests to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, for the Western Cape to be declared a provincial disaster area. This comes amidst the ongoing drought crisis that the province has been facing for the past few years.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Premier Winde stated that these requests were based on extensive research and consultation with various stakeholders in the province. He further added that the Provincial Cabinet agreed that the declaration of a provincial disaster area was necessary in order to mitigate the effects of the drought and provide much-needed relief to affected areas.
The first request is for the entire province to be declared a disaster area, while the second request is specifically for the Central Karoo District Municipality. The Central Karoo is one of the worst affected areas in the province, with some towns experiencing severe water shortages and other related challenges.
According to Premier Winde, the ongoing drought has had a devastating impact on the province’s agriculture sector, which is a vital contributor to the Western Cape’s economy. “The drought has led to a significant decrease in agricultural production, affecting both commercial and emerging farmers. This has also resulted in job losses and economic strain in rural communities,” he said.
The Premier also highlighted the impact of the drought on the province’s water supply, stating that the dam levels in the Western Cape are currently at an all-time low. “We are facing a water crisis of immense proportions, and urgent action needs to be taken to ensure our communities have access to this basic human right,” he added.
The declaration of a provincial disaster area would provide the Western Cape government with access to additional funding and resources. This would enable the government to implement critical interventions to mitigate the effects of the drought and provide relief to affected communities.
“We cannot sit back and watch our province suffer. We need to take decisive action to address this crisis and support our communities. The declaration of a provincial disaster area is a vital step in our efforts to combat this ongoing drought,” Premier Winde emphasized.
The Western Cape government has also been working closely with national government and other stakeholders to explore long-term solutions to the drought crisis. This includes initiatives such as desalination plants, recycling wastewater, and drilling boreholes.
In his statement, Premier Winde expressed his gratitude to all those who have been involved in the process of submitting the disaster declaration requests. “I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this effort, including the Provincial Cabinet, the National Department of Water and Sanitation, and our local government partners. Working together, we can find sustainable solutions to this crisis,” he said.
The Western Cape has been facing water shortages for the past three years, and the situation has become increasingly dire in recent months. However, with the submission of these requests to CoGTA, there is hope that the province will receive the necessary support to alleviate the effects of the drought and secure a more sustainable water future.
In conclusion, the Western Cape Premier’s announcement of the submission of two disaster declaration requests to CoGTA is a significant step in the province’s fight against the ongoing drought. It is a testament to the government’s commitment to finding solutions and supporting their communities during this challenging time. Let us all hope that these requests are granted, and the Western Cape can begin to see some relief and progress towards a more sustainable future.
