Cape Town - The City of Cape Town has turned to prayer in the hope that the heavens will open and much-needed rain will break the drought gripping the province.
Mayor Patricia de Lille led an interfaith prayer session on Table Mountain. Present were religious leaders from various faith communities.
De Lille said the province was facing the worst drought in 100 years.
“I have called for prayers today and asked our religious leaders to guide us and their congregants in praying for much-needed rain,” she said.
Western Cape Premier Helen Zille declared the Western Cape a disaster area earlier in the week. This week dam levels stood at 20.7%, with the last 10% of the dam water being unusable.
Among the religious leaders who conducted a special prayer for rain was Rabbi Greg Alexander from the Jewish community. He organised a rain dance.
Human Rights Commission member Chris Nissan said everyone had a responsibility that came with the right to water. “I am calling on all religious leaders to tell your congregants to please use water responsibly,” he said.
Water and waste services mayoral committee member Xanthea Limberg said the city was keeping an eye on water-wasters. "We need every resident to contribute to water saving.”