Polokwane - Premier Stan Mathabatha’s administration in Limpopo through its Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has set aside R3 million to assist farmers affected by the crippling drought.
This was confirmed by provincial government spokesman Phuti Seloba, who said: “A thorough assessment of the drought situation has found that all district and local municipalities in Limpopo are facing the worst drought conditions in years. The declaration will assist the government to unlock resources to assist the affected communities.”
At the time of going to print, Seloba could not confirm how badly livestock and crops were affected by the heat wave. He was, however, hopeful “that now that different religious groups (had) gathered together to pray for rain, the situation will be normalised”.
He said: “It is for this reason that Exco is unlocking other avenues, including the activation of the Drought Relief and Disaster Management Act of 2002. The provincial treasury and the national Department of Water and Sanitation will provide further assessments.”
Earlier, Modumo Moabelo, a well-known farmer from Zebediela, near Lebowakgomo, the former capital of Lebowa, said: “We would like to thank Limpopo for their intervention. However, this is not enough. It must rain to save our farms.”
Phineas Legodi, the chief executive of Lepelle Northern Water, said: “We join the premier of the province in calling on our communities to use water sparingly.
“South Africa is losing too much water due to wastage. Acting in concert with our government and municipalities in particular, we will roll out a drought relief plan and intensify our campaign on water conservation.”
The Sunday Independent