The Western Cape Department of Agriculture is still working to determine the extent of the damage. (Archive photo: NSRI)
Agri Western Cape welcomes the announcement of a state of disaster classification in the Western Cape
after heavy rainfall over this province in the past few weeks caused damage to infrastructure, in terms of agricultural operations and in communities.
Jannie Strydom, the CEO of Agri Western Cape, says this announcement is an important step to request the necessary financial support for repairs.
The recent floods are described by residents as the worst in more than 100 years.
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture is still working on the extent of
determine the damage.
According to Strydom, the classification of a state of disaster is essential to access additional
to get support and funding in order to be able to carry out the much needed repairs
doing.
He says that damaged infrastructure is currently the biggest challenge.
“Approximately 4,000 roads across the province were closed, while 61% of these have already been reopened. Electricity infrastructure, water systems and communication networks were disrupted by widespread damage to power poles and other critical infrastructure.”
Flooding in the Meiringspoort area. (Photo: Garden Route District Municipality)
Around 9,000 Eskom faults were also reported in this period and several areas are still without power supply. For farmers, the damage has enormous consequences. Producers have water pumps,
lost irrigation infrastructure, orchards, vineyards, tunnels, houses and farm buildings.
In certain areas, farmers are still completely cut off from villages due to damaged roads.
“Although work is being done with urgency on repairs, there must be realistic
be expectations. The extent of the damage is enormous and the repair of roads, bridges, power lines
and other important infrastructure will unfortunately take time,” says Strydom.
Despite the extensive damage, the rainfall did bring much-needed relief and dam levels
supplemented. The province’s average dam levels rose from 52.5% to 70.6%.
“The dam levels after the heavy rain offer hope for the upcoming production season, especially for producers who rely on irrigation.”
Strydom says Agri Western Cape remains committed to working with all role players to make sure that farmers and rural communities receive the necessary support in this difficult time.
“Agri Western Cape’s cooperation with the provincial government, relevant departments and Eskom will be essential to speed up the recovery process.”