Water shortages could potentially have devastating effect on key agricultural sector, with main feeder dams at lowest average levels in 20 years WATER shortages in the Western Cape could potentially have a devastating effect on the key agricultural sector, and are proving a serious concern for authorities, provincial MEC for economic opportunities Alan Winde said on Friday.Provincial authorities are closely monitoring the unusually dry seasonal weather in some regions amid fears that farmers could lose millions due to crop failure.The Western Cape’s main feeder dams are at their lowest average levels in 20 years, even after this year’s rainfall season, raising the possibility of water restrictions."No area has been declared a disaster zone yet, we are concerned and are monitoring the situation closely," said Mr Winde.Dam levels are down compared to 2014, and this has consequences for some regions, the MEC said. The Karoo and the West Coast were the worst affected by the dry spell. M...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.