The Western Cape Department of Local Government recently spent time on the streets of Matzikama, Kannaland, and Beaufort West municipalities to amplify the provincial government’s call for all residents to save water.
Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, said these face-to-face campaigns are important as they allow government to speak with residents where they live, and in a more personal manner.
He said all municipalities in the province have experienced water-management challenges due to prolonged power outages in recent months, but this has compounded other challenges which are unique to each municipality.
“Kannaland is currently water secure, but we are concerned that a dry winter could make their situation less ideal.
‘They also face challenges due to a lack of technical skills and intermittent water quality.
“Matzikama is currently struggling with old infrastructure and frequent pipe bursts. Beaufort West is grappling with high levels of vandalism of water infrastructure.”
Bredell said taking cognisance of these unique circumstances forms part of the provincial 15-Year Integrated Water and Drought Plan, which the Department of Local Government recently published.
“We accept that the climate change crisis will affect us in the province, and we have decided to plan proactively to face this challenge.
“Water security is essential for a growing and prosperous region, and we will support our local governments to manage this challenge.”
Responding to the unique challenges in these municipalities, the Department of Local Government is supporting the Kannaland Municipality with R306 000 for water-testing kits to address the water quality issues.
The department is also supporting Kannaland with the implementation of Municipal Infrastructure Grant projects, such as upgrades of the Ladismith and Van Wyksdorp water treatment works, and the Calitzdorp’s new deep bore-hole project.
Beaufort West is supported with R180 000 from the Municipal Interventions Grant for the improvement of infrastructure, and a further R1,15 million from provincial contingency funding for emergency backup generators for water supply systems.
The department assisted Matzikama to secure grant funding of R450 000 from the Municipal Interventions Grant for fleet management as well as R1,05 million from provincial contingency funding for the procurement of backup generators to be used at water treatment works.
