Government has allocated R74 million in drought relief funding to the Western Cape, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) minister, Des Van Rooyen, announced yesterday (Tuesday).
This as water dam levels remain at low levels following the declaration of the City of Cape Town as a disaster area in May this year.
“Several engagements were held with national departments - including the Department of Water and Sanitation, and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries - to mobilise available resources, as well as the necessary support required by the provinces,” said Van Rooyen.
He noted that the payments would be made from Cogta’s Municipal Disaster Grant.
“The total cost of providing emergency disaster relief to [the] Western Cape province is R74 866 263,” said Van Rooyen. “Of this amount, R40 million will be allocated towards livestock feed to be expended by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture in light of the drought situation and the fires experienced recently in the province.”
He added that R20 million would be allocated to the City of Cape Town, R10.9 million to Bitou Municipality, and R3.1 million to Theewaterskloof Municipality.
Funds earmarked for agriculture will be transferred on August 31.
