KZN declared a disaster area as drought intensifies

The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Nomusa Dube-Ncube, said the declaration of KwaZulu-Natal as a disaster area is a much needed shot in the arm for the province’s bid to provide relief to communities.

“We will be fighting this crisis with national government and this will help strengthen our efforts at mitigating the impact of the drought,” she said.

Dube-Ncube warned however that the support from national will only go so far in providing some relief.

“We still need to continue to conserve water, use water sparingly because these dry times are actually a global phenomenon that is said to be going to prevail,” she warned.

Meanwhile, the announcement that KZN is now a disaster zone could not have come at a time of greater need, with the Umvoti River drying up and the Ilembe district can now only supply water when it is available.

Kokstad and Ingwe municipality in Harry Gwala district have this week become the latest to announce major water restrictions given the intensifying drought crisis in KwaZulu-Natal.

Ixopo dam in the district is the latest to reach a critically low level of 30% and the distribution of water in the entire district was forced to be greatly reduced.

She said the department has contingency plans to ensure that no resident will go without water even when the taps begin to run dry.

“We need to save every drop because as of now every drop of water counts. The effects of climate change are with us as evidenced by the below average rainfall received during the winter season which has left a number of dams almost dry. KZN is on the red-code in as far as water is concerned and drastic interventions are being undertaken to manage the drought crisis,” said Dube-Ncube.

KZN Cogta’s teams will be moving between affected areas to monitor water usage.

Water efficiency and water use educational programmes are being rolled out intensively and the department thanked those who have made lifestyle changes to reduce their water consumption.