Load shedding ‘pending disaster’ for SA food security, warns DA
The DA has added its
voice to those who have expressed concern about the impact of load shedding on
the country's food security.
The party says harvest season is coming up but farmers are worried their produce could go to waste due to the frequent planned power cuts.
South Africa entered another week on stage 6 load shedding on Monday.
The DA's Noko Masipa says they want government to step in.
"Agricultural produce cooling facilities cannot withstand consistent stage 4 load shedding, let alone stage 6. This is a pending disaster for the country's food security as produce may wither from the consequences of load shedding and lack of irrigation.
“The DA supports the call made by farmers that the government step in quickly and provide relief to the chicken houses, cooling facilities and irrigation schemes."
Agriculture Minister Thoko Didiza last week announced the formation of a task team to explore interventions and to ease the burden on farmers.
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Department spokesperson Reggie Ngcobo says the technical work of measuring the financial cost is underway.
"And it will help the sector's strategy. The minister has assured the nation that despite the challenges, the agricultural industry will continue to ensure the are plenty of food."
