R96M for KZN drought relief

The Department of Water and Sanitation says the drought-relief funds will also be used to finance water tanks.  

Minister Nomvula Mokonyane says so far, KwaZulu-Natal and Free State have been declared drought disaster areas. 

She says 2.7-million households, many of them in KZN have been affected.

"More than 150 water tankers have already been deployed in 12 local municipalities. There's also severe restrictions that have already been put in place," she said. 

Mokonyane has briefed the media on South Africa's water crisis. 

Some of our district municipalities facing critical water shortages are Ugu, uMkhanyakude, Ilembe and Harry Gwala.  

Mokonyane says the average levels of all dams in KZN are sitting at 58%.  

Three of the 18 large water supply schemes are at risk though, including Hluhluwe Dam which is currently at 30% and Hazelmere at 27%.

"The main droughts impacts are however at local and rudimental water supply schemes, where more than 50% of schemes are experiencing serious water shortages. At present, 42 of the 117 schemes are affected by the drought," she said. 

(File photo)