The prevailing drought conditions and water distribution uncertainty has necessitated that we convene this press briefing. I wish to express my greatest gratitude that you have made it here in the interest of communicating the dire situation and our strategic response to it.
Drought being a natural phenomenon is a normal recurrent feature of climate arising from deficiency in precipitation (rain & snow) over an extended period of time, usually a season or more.
1. South Africa and the Region in effect, is impacted negatively upon by the less than world average rainfall it receives. To a large extent this causes immeasurable strain on the delivery of water services to the populace, due to the less than reliable rainfall, not forgetting the impact of Climate Change resulting in abnormal climatic conditions.
2. The recent drought, the worst for many decades, has also not helped the situation as we can see the very negative impact on the country’s economy, especially on the agricultural sector, affecting food security and exports.
3. As the water and sanitation sector, we need to look at new ways of providing the services that we are responsible for.
4. Recent drought that devastated most parts of the country has highlighted the need for a more elaborate facility that can be applied to consistently guide management of water supply and mitigation against risks due to drought. This is also to facilitate equitable water supply under normal conditions, while mitigating vulnerability by improving preparedness to cope with drought conditions.
5. We have to be cognisant of the fact that no economy or community can thrive without good, toxic-free, reliable and secure water services, which is the bedrock of any livelihood. It is for this reason we have always maintained that water should be everyone’s business.
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