Karoo drought still persists despite rain

THE Karoo regions remain in “dire straits” despite recent rainfall, says Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell.

“There have been a few thundershowers leading to localised flooding in some areas. Sadly the thundershowers and localised flooding did not occur in the catchment areas, so little of the water ran into the dams. We’ve measured about six heavy cloudbursts over the past two weeks but each time it is very much localised and not widespread.”

He said the rain and runoff water would help replenish groundwater levels but was still not sufficient to break the ongoing drought.

“The provincial government remains on the ground in the region providing assistance to the local authorities. We continue to urge responsible water use and request that water leaks get reported promptly. We also continue to urge the local authorities to manage water supplies optimally. This includes rolling out water management devices to large consumers and applying and monitoring adequate water restrictions.”

The average dam level in the Western Cape was at 43.59%.

Dam levels were standing at 22.25% and dropping fast last year at this time. |