According to the departmental spokesperson, Sputnik Ratau, the interventions will include assigning a team of specialists for rapid intervention in identified areas to complete the construction of water projects, the refurbishment of dysfunctional boreholes in drought-stricken areas, and addressing dysfunctional water works.

A weekly report by the department shows that the province’s average dam level has dropped to 51,6% in the past week.

The province has experienced exceedingly hot temperatures in the past weeks, which has resulted in most dams declining drastically. It shows that four of the dams in Mopani are below 10%.

Tzaneen Dam in Groot- Letaba h is sitting at 6.8% while Middle Letaba in the Greater Giyani Local Municipality is at 3.3%, Modjadji dam in Greater Letaba Municipality is at 6.0%.

“The declining dams are having a negative impact on agriculture which uses it for the irrigation of crops.

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Ratau said in these blistering conditions residents are advised to avoid unnecessary exposure and stay indoors until late afternoon when the heat has subsided.

“Those who are forced by circumstances such as work and school should drink as much as three litres of water a day to cope.

Fizzy drinks and alcohol are a definite no-no as this might impact on their health,” he advised

The department is appealing to water users in the province to continue using water sparingly and adhere to water restrictions imposed by their respective municipalities.

Water is a scarce resource and catalytic towards economic development and it must therefore be conserved at all times.

Ratau said scientific projections are that hot temperatures will persist until the end of the summer period next year.

“In addition, between October and mid December 2019, the country will experience below-average rainfall that would be accompanied by hot temperatures, thereby raising evaporation levels in the dams,” he added.