Parts of the Western Cape have been classified as local disaster areas

Parts of the Western Cape have been classified as local disaster areas because of drought, the provincial Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Department said today.

“The Eden District is still gripped by a serious drought,” said MEC Anton Bredell said.

“The National Disaster Management Centre has classified the drought as a disaster.”

Parts of the Eden district, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna and Bitou had been declared local disaster areas. Bredell said that although it had rained in the past two weeks, rainfall remained at a historic low.

“There is no immediate relief in sight as the forecast for the next three months is for hot, dry weather.”

Bredell said water restrictions would be put in place to ensure none of the towns ran dry during the holiday season. -Sapa
Argus 17th Dec