30 January 2015
The Western Cape Department of
Agriculture has made a R1 million temporary solution into the collapsed canal
in Clanwilliam.
MEC of Economic Opportunities
Alan Winde said one of the canals running off the Clanwilliam dam collapsed at
the start of this month, affecting more than 300 farmers in nearby communities.
Ministerial Spokesperson
Bronwynne Jooste said the R1 million emergency fund will ensure that water is
pumped across the damaged section.
Jooste said it is a 184m section of the canal near
Klawer.
Jooste said the break dramatically reduced water supply to farms
downstream. More than 300 farmers, 6 000 hectares of irrigation and residents
in nearby communities were affected.
Jooste said this presented a huge threat to the farmers working with
table and wine grapes as well as vegetables. It also threatened seasonal jobs
for local residents.
Jooste said a plan to fix the canal will need to follow. This is the
actually responsibility of the National Department of Water and Sanitation.
Jooste said with the costs of repairing the aging infrastructure
adding up, this association did not have the funds to purchase the additional
pumps and generator.
“MEC Winde will meet
with the local association to discuss the way forward Jooste
added.
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