Drought brings community to its knees
Community faithful to gather to pray for rain and respite from the worst drought in years.
WHILE Zululand is struggling in the grips of the worst drought in recent history, Empangeni churches have decided to take action.
Next Wednesday church congregations will assemble at 1pm at Addison Park to join hands in prayer for rain.
Another prayer meeting has been scheduled at the Mtunzini Methodist Church, also at 1pm on the same day.
The effects of the drought are being felt throughout the community and farmers are suffering owing to the lack of irrigation allowed.
Currently, farmers are being allowed only 30% of their normal irrigation rations, while residential areas are also being restricted.
As a result, farm workers are feeling the negative effects as many have been sent home, while others are working shorter weeks.
‘If the Goedertrouw dam reaches 30%, farmers in the area will have zero water to irrigate,’ said Chairman of the Felixton Crop Growers Association, John Readman.
‘Should the drought continue it will be a disaster. Some growers could lose everything.’
Goedertrouw Dam is currently at 46.2% compared to 46.7% last week. At current rain fall rates the dam could continue to drop by a further 10% in less than eight weeks, which will place further restrictions on residential areas as well as having disastrous effects on crops.
‘Currently we are having the lowest rainfall figures since 1934,’ continued Readman. ‘The average long-term rainfall between 2000 and 2014 had been 950mm a year, compared to 1 051mm average between 1934 and 2000.’
The prayer meeting at Addison Park will be led by Minister for Victory Family Church, Charles Ras and will also include a prayer for the victims of xenophobic attacks in the province.
Members of the community have been invited to attend the meeting to join in the prayer. For more information, contact the Methodist Church on 035 772 6096 or Victory Family Church on 035 792 3404.
