Western Cape Economic Opportunities Minister, Alan Winde, recently tabled adjustment budget allocations for two Western Cape departments with the aim of mitigating the economic and social impact of the province’s ongoing drought.

Minister Winde tabled the adjustment allocations for the departments of Agriculture and Economic Development and Tourism in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament.

Water tanks

According to the allocations R2 million will be set aside for water tanks for food gardens in the West Coast, Cape Winelands, Eden and Central Karoo districts. “This water supply will sustain the food gardens to ensure that families have access to healthy food. Food gardens are also an economic driver, especially in rural communities, where residents sell surplus to earn an extra income,”Winde explained.

Boreholes

A further R10 million will be made available for the installation of boreholes to ensure that residents and farms in rural communities have access to drinking water. According to Winde construction will commence as soon as possible in the Matzikama area, as well as critical areas where the need for additional water supply to humans and animals is the greatest.

Alien vegetation

The government as also set aside R5 million to clear alien vegetation along the Berg River. “In many instances, alien plants consume more water than indigenous plants, draining underground water sources. Alien species also limit the flow of water into our rivers. The Berg River project will create 40 work opportunities and 20 000 person days of employment,” Winde said.

Research and water resilience

Winde noted that R7.8 million will go towards research in the area of drought assistance to help better prepare for the changing weather patterns while R2.5 million is reallocated to the governments Water Resilience project, which assists with GreenCape’s support of businesses during the water crisis.