Western Cape Government is taking decisive action to support municipalities as the peak holiday season ends and the province moves into the hottest and driest part of summer.
Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, met with senior officials today to assess current conditions and ensure readiness for the months ahead.
“The Western Cape has experienced a demanding fire season, but our coordinated response has been strong,” said Minister Bredell. “We have authorised double the number of aerial firefighting support callouts compared to the same period last year, ensuring rapid response and protection of communities.”
According to the South African Weather Service, hot and dry conditions are expected to persist, potentially extending the fire season beyond March. To date, R15 million has already been invested in aerial firefighting support, with the province prepared to engage the Provincial Treasury should additional funding be required.
Strong Emergency Response, No Loss of Life
So far this season, the Provincial Disaster Management Centre has authorised 38 aerial firefighting missions, with an estimated 90 000 hectares affected. While 45 structures were damaged, no fatalities or serious injuries were reported — a reflection of effective emergency coordination and rapid response.
Proactive Measures to Secure Water Supply
Water security remains a focus in parts of the Garden Route, particularly in Langeberg Municipality, Knysna, and Bitou Municipality. Authorities have already implemented practical solutions to stabilise supply:
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Langeberg Municipality has upgraded pump infrastructure to increase abstraction from channels linked to the Brandvlei Dam, responding to low levels at Dassieshoek and Kooskok dams.
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Knysna currently has an estimated 13-day water buffer, with additional capacity available through the Glebe Dam and alternative operational adjustments.
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Bitou Municipality has activated its desalination plant, while feasibility studies are underway to add boreholes to the system.
Across affected areas, boreholes, springs, water tanks, and potable water tankers are being deployed or kept on standby to ensure continuity of supply, especially in higher-lying zones.
Community Cooperation Remains Key
Minister Bredell emphasised the importance of public cooperation:
“It is critically important that residents and visitors adhere to current water restrictions. The province, together with the National Department of Water and Sanitation, will continue to support municipalities to ensure water security in the immediate future.”
