South Africa: South Africa's Western Cape declares drought disaster on May 22

Event

Western Cape Premier Helen Zille declared the province a disaster area on Monday, May 22, for a period of at least three months due to increasing water shortages. The decision will allow local authorities to prioritize public funds for drought relief operations. Residents have been urged to use no more than 100 liters (22 gallons) of water per day to save water resources.

The region does not have enough water tankers to supply residents despite recent heavy rainfall. According to regional officials, two of Western Cape's reservoirs are already running dry. As a result, the local government announced plans to use a mobile desalination plant and tap the natural aquifer under Cape Town's Table Mountain. Also, boreholes will be drilled in hospitals and schools in high-risk areas in an effort to collect additional ground water.

Context

Western Cape province is facing its worst water shortage in 113 years. The Karoo and West Coast areas of the Western Cape previously declared drought disasters in 2016.

The southern African region has been experiencing severe drought for almost three years, as a result of the devastating effects of the climatic phenomenon El Niño. The United Nations estimates that over 40 million people have been affected by the drought and resulted in the decimation of crops and water resources, leaving millions dependent on aid. While areas such as northern South Africa, parts of Mozambique, and Zimbabwe have benefited from heavy rainfall this year, other areas, such as in southern Angola, remain seriously affected by low precipitation levels.

Advice

Individuals in Western Cape are advised to conserve water, stock up on bottled water, keep abreast of the situation via local media outlets, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g., water rationing measures).