The Western Cape Government has launched a coordinated emergency response after severe flooding damaged critical water infrastructure in Beaufort West, disrupting water services to the town.
Local Government MEC Anton Bredell says the priority is to restore water supply as quickly as possible while ensuring residents receive emergency water.
Government agencies, the Beaufort West Municipality, Central Karoo District Municipality, disaster management teams and private and humanitarian partners have been mobilised since the incident was identified on 4 September.
Emergency measures include deploying water tankers, distributing water to affected communities, assessing damaged infrastructure and providing engineering support. The province has also made R1 million available for urgent repairs.
Bredell says calls for a formal disaster declaration have not delayed the response, stressing that government can provide emergency assistance without such a declaration.
Access to the damaged 600-millimetre pipeline was initially difficult because of high river levels and flooding. Technical teams have since continued working on the infrastructure, while parts of the municipal water system have been restored and reservoir levels replenished.
Emergency water supplies remain in place, with vulnerable communities and critical public facilities receiving particular attention.
Bredell says all available resources will continue to be directed towards maintaining emergency water supplies and restoring normal services as quickly and safely as possible.
Local Government MEC Anton Bredell says the priority is to restore water supply as quickly as possible while ensuring residents receive emergency water.
Government agencies, the Beaufort West Municipality, Central Karoo District Municipality, disaster management teams and private and humanitarian partners have been mobilised since the incident was identified on 4 September.
Emergency measures include deploying water tankers, distributing water to affected communities, assessing damaged infrastructure and providing engineering support. The province has also made R1 million available for urgent repairs.
Bredell says calls for a formal disaster declaration have not delayed the response, stressing that government can provide emergency assistance without such a declaration.
Access to the damaged 600-millimetre pipeline was initially difficult because of high river levels and flooding. Technical teams have since continued working on the infrastructure, while parts of the municipal water system have been restored and reservoir levels replenished.
Emergency water supplies remain in place, with vulnerable communities and critical public facilities receiving particular attention.
Bredell says all available resources will continue to be directed towards maintaining emergency water supplies and restoring normal services as quickly and safely as possible.
