Drought situation in SA to persist
Updated | By Pieter Van Der Merwe
Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane says the drought currently affecting the South African water sector is far from over.
Mokonyane said at the World Water Week meeting in Stockholm, Sweden, this week, that research conducted by scientists revealed that the unfavourable climate conditions would persist for the next three years and result in South Africa receiving below average rainfall, the water affairs and sanitation department said in a statement on Sunday.
The department had declared some parts of the country, especially in KwaZulu-Natal, disaster areas. While the main focus would be on water shortages, Mokonyane believed a further focus should be on public awareness and education on how citizens could manage the little water available.
Current interventions included provision of water in rural areas and informal settlements through water tankers, and water restrictions to ensure better water demand management and supply in areas affected by the drought.
Mokonyane believed the best weapon to fight the drought was individual self-discipline by water users, the department said.
(File photo: Getty Images)
Show's Stories
-
VIDEO: Man found after being kidnapped 26 years ago
The 45-year-old has finally been reunited with his family.
The Drive with Rob & Roz 9 hours ago -
LISTEN: How to deal with your stress language
We all know about love languages, but what are stress languages?
The Drive with Rob & Roz 10 hours ago