Bredell calls for disaster classification amid severe drought and wildfires

WESTERN Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell will request the Provincial Cabinet for a disaster classification due to the severe drought in the Southern Cape and recent widespread wildfires.

- STAFF REPORTER

Bredell announced this yesterday following a briefing by the Knysna Joint Operations Committee (JOC). Knysna's main water source, Akkerkloof Dam, is only 15% full, leaving the town with just a 10-day water buffer.

The JOC is urgently developing new water sources, including springs and boreholes (7 refurbished, 10 on private land, and one at the mosque).

In a joint statement released, Bredell said he will approach the provincial cabinet with a request to motivate for a provincial disaster classification, based on the current drought in the Southern Cape, as well as the widespread wildfires the province has experienced in recent weeks.