Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
With reference to a recent Absa Agricultural Outlook report, according to which weather forecasts indicate that there is a more than 50% chance of another El Niño occurring in the coming season, which could result in drought conditions, meaning that there is a likelihood of lower rainfall as well as higher-than-average temperatures during November 2018 and early 2019:
Whether his Department has pre-empted such a scenario; if so, what measures are in place to deal with another drought in the Western Cape?
6. During the Western Cape Disaster Management (WCDM) Advisory Forum meeting that was held on Wednesday, 22 August 2018, the possibility of an El Niño phenomenal has been confirmed by the South African Weather Services (SAWS). According to SAWS, the El Niño results in lower than normal rainfall over the summer rainfall areas and this could have a negative impact on rainfall in the Central Karoo, Eden, Overberg and to a lesser effect the West Coast District municipality areas. The WCDM Joint Operational Centre (JOC) meeting which was established for the current drought is still held on a monthly basis. This coordinating structure, that has been operational over the past approximately 24 months, is still activated and all the interventions, as applicable to the current drought disaster, is still in force and the necessary Disaster Risk Reduction measures are continuously instituted and monitored.
In conclusion, due to the possible El Niño impact the current drought and dire disastrous consequences thereof is still very evident and it is therefore strongly recommended that all drought mitigation interventions should continue, until such time, that the drought is not a risk anymore.
