Western Cape to receive R25m in drought support

©Johan Larson via 123RF

Minister Meyer said: "I welcome the news that the national government has allocated R25m towards drought mitigation in the Central Karoo and Garden Route districts. The funds will assist in alleviating some of the impact of the drought, bringing much-needed relief to some of the areas most severely affected by the drought."

Focus areas

Projects that will be implemented include fodder for livestock in extremely critical areas, livestock watering systems, conservation agriculture, alien vegetation clearing and fencing.

Climate change predictions have shown that the Western Cape will become drier, with an even more erratic rainfall pattern. Authorities will, therefore, have to mitigate this by stepping up the management of natural resources such as land, water, soil, plants and animals.

"It is therefore imperative that we manage our natural resources effectively, as sustainable resource management will improve the economic viability of the agriculture sector in the Western Cape," he said.