The Western Cape Government has asked the National Government to declare the province a disaster area due to the veld fires which ravaged in the Cape Winelands and Overberg, recently.
It is reported that some communities have been evacuated
because of the risk of the fires.
According to the Western Cape Local Government,
Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning MEC, Anton Bredell, who visited
Worcester on Thursday where firefighters are battling some of the fires, says the
current hot and windy weather conditions, combined with several wildfires
burning in the Cape Winelands and Overberg districts, which hampers
firefighting effort.
Bredell wants the provincial government to be able to
respond to a fast-changing situation.
“We have the necessary resources available to address the
wildfires, but the disaster declaration will give us the ability to coordinate
optimally. We are doing everything to protect lives and property.”
The MEC asked the public to report any sighting of a fire
as quickly as possible to the closest authorities.
“Experience over many years has taught us that the faster
the initial response, the better our chances are of successfully controlling a
fire before it spirals out of control.”
Done by: Alungile Njemla
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