Blog

MITIGATING THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF GREEN DROUGHT

MEDIA BRIEFING

STATEMENT BY HON. N. DUBE-NCUBE

KZN MEC FOR COGTA

DURBAN: 5 FEBRUARY 2019

Members of the media

Ladies and gentlemen

Thank you for joining us this morning for the briefing on the persisting drought situation in some parts of KZN as well as the update on recent disaster incidents in the province.

Today’s media briefing takes place against the backdrop of the devastating disaster incidents that have left a trail of destruction and scores of people homeless, especially in and around Ladysmith.

We have just returned from Ladysmith which has, over the past weekend, seen some of the worst weather we have recorded in the province in recent months. A particularly devastating storm, accompanied by gale-force winds and localised flooding, struck a residential area outside Ladysmith on Saturday night and wreaked havoc in the local community. A total of 70 houses were completely destroyed, leaving some 400 residents destitute.

KZN Cogta rushed to the scene to provide emergency relief to the community within hours of the storm. All affected families were provided with temporary accommodation. We have, to date, provided emergency support, including cooking equipment, such as stoves and cutlery, blankets, mattresses, food and temporary shelter, to all those in need. We have activated a Joint Operations Centre in the community. This centre is composed of all departments that are impacted by the recent freak storm incidents, including Cogta, Human Settlements, Social Development, SASSA, Home Affairs, Education, municipalities and NGOs.

Our practical assistance will continue until we can ensure that the people can begin to rebuild their lives. Our efforts to quantify the damage in many other sporadic incidents across the province are still underway. Our conservative estimation at this stage is that this damage will exceed R10-million.

The drought situation

The irony of it all is that even as we experience these freak storm incidents, some parts of the province remain in the grip of the drought that has persisted since 2015 and the situation has become worse, thereby affecting more areas and sectors on the ground.

Interestingly, the uThukela district municipality where this incident occurred remains the epicentre of our drought challenges.

In the Alfred Duma local municipality:

• Boreholes have dried up due to the low water table which is continuously dropping
• The Oliphantskop Dam has dried up which will result in the shutdown of the water treatment works in the next couple of days
• The direct impact of the non-operation of the plant is that communities that were supplied with a minimum of 6Ml/day via pipe networks will have no access to water.
• The water level at Spioenkop Dam has drastically decreased
• The Ladysmith WTW’s extract water from the Klip River which is currently not flowing hence the raw water extraction pumps are not operating on a normal basis
• The reduced water supply from Ladysmith Water Purification Works severely affects the following areas – Ladysmith Town – Steadville; Tsakane; Roosboom; St Chads
• Businesses in Ladysmith were also severely affected by the water supply which has resulted in businesses operating on a short time basis. This affects the economic growth of Ladysmith as well as employment.

In the Inkosi Langalibalele local municipality (Estcourt):

• The Amangwe water scheme abstraction point is the Injusithi River. The abstraction works normally has a problem with water supply in winter months due to the low water level but this has severely escalated due to the current drought

• The abstraction is generally supplemented by the spring that fills two concrete ponds, these ponds water levels has severely decreased

• The yield in most of the boreholes have decreased and on average only provide 15% of the required water supply per day

• To many people in the communities, these boreholes are their only source of water

– Gannahoek

– Ekuthuleni

– Msuluzi

• Some of the boreholes in the areas have dried up completely due to the low water table
• The Umsuluzi River flow has decreased and the areas that are adversely affected are:

– Weenen

– Cornfield

– Outer-Colen

In the uKhahlamba local municipality:

Abstraction challenges are being experienced at Bergville, Winterton, Moyeni/Zwelisha and Langkloof Water treatment Works.

Similarly, Moyeni/Zwelisha Water Treatment Works normally experience challenges at the river abstraction point due to the low water level.

Unfortunately, the drought conditions are not limited to uThukela district; indeed the adversely affected areas include King Cetshwayo and Zululand districts, and uMuziwabantu and Nongoma local municipalities, with concerns now also being raised in the Umgeni and Hazelmere systems.

Similarly, the uMzinyathi district is back to water restrictions due to very little rain and low river and dam levels. For our part, we will continue to monitor the situation at this stage. Above average rainfall is projected over the next three months and this will, hopefully, improve the water resource situation so that restrictions are not needed across the province. The month of May is the hydrological decision month (the beginning of the dry period) and if the water system does not improve, we will make further announcements.

If the drought persists, most of the areas will be severely affected as the borehole yield will not allow normal pumping schedule.

• To mitigate the impact of the drought, water restrictions may have to be imposed to all consumers, both domestic and business consumers
• Water conservation campaigns were also conducted to communities that were severely affected by the drought on an on-going basis, and
• Short-term drought intervention Business Plans amounting to R38-million have been submitted to Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation to source funding.

Clearly, the drought that has ravaged our province since 2015 has not let up in many areas. As a result, KZN remains in the grip of what is known as green drought. This phenomenon has first been described in Australia where it was defined as a period of limited rainfall causing new but insubstantial plant growth.

In KZN, the rainfall that has occurred has not been of equal volume everywhere. At times, we have witnessed isolated storms with lots of rain so people assumed the drought is over but the water table is not being replenished. The truth is that ground and soil water are still low and levels in farm dams are still dropping.

Even more perilously, other dams remain at critically low levels, most notably Albert Falls Dam at 34%, Pongolapoort Dam at 42% or Goedertrouw Dam at 45%. The total for all KZN dams stands at 55%. Experts have said it was difficult to pinpoint the cause of the green drought or if it was linked to another upcoming el niño or to climate change.

Impact on the farming sector

Our farming sector, at both subsistence and commercial levels, has been impacted negatively by this situation, especially in the Midlands.

There is already a warning of another brewing crisis as persistent dry conditions and hot weather are threatening crops and livestock across the province. The threat to household food security, especially in rural areas, is real.

Many subsistence farmers are behind the planting season. It is also concerning that as little as 60% of available land was planted this season and those crops are being threatened by relentless heat. If we do not get the necessary rainfall in some of the most affected areas, some of the crops that have been planted will die.

When this happens, our country will need to import some crops, such as yellow corn which, in turn, is likely to hike the prices of staple foods. The green drought continues to have a devastating impact on the farming sector and support for the industry is being actively sought by the farming community. As government, we are acutely aware of this request and keeping a close brief on all developments.

We extremely concerned as we are currently moving into the winter months which is going to increase the severity of the drought should the rains delay further.

Intervention measures

We are currently implementing various intervention measures. This is why an allocation of R122-million from the National Disaster Management Centre is being disbursed to drought-affected KZN districts to deal with the most urgent green drought hotspots. The allocation has been allocated as follows:

The Department of Water and Sanitation, in line with their core function, is leading our intervention.

This is essentially disaster funding and we at Cogta will ensure, as we have done with such funding before, that it is used to mitigate the negative impact of the green drought in all affected areas.

As government, we have been at the forefront of public awareness campaigns highlighting the effects of the prolonged drought that has been with us since 2015. We have worked closely with municipalities to introduce water conservation measures where necessary.

The current state of KZN water resources and the reality of green drought now mean that these efforts must continue. We would like to assure the public that we are working with municipalities, farmers and all other stakeholders to conserve water and ensure that the negative impact of this green drought on our communities is minimised as much as possible.

We have advised mayors and councillors in the province to monitor the drought and ensure that we all act and respond to the situation. We appeal to everyone to continue to use water sparingly.  Mandatory restrictions remain an option in some areas. The abnormal heat wave has increased evaporation rates significantly and this is one of the reasons for the fall in the storage capacity levels.

As government, we are fully conscious of the responsibility we bear to mitigate the social and economic impact of this green drought on the people of this province, taking into account that water is a scarce resource in our country.

I thank you!

For more information contact: KZN Cogta spokesperson Lennox Mabaso, 082 884 2403

Twitter: www.twitter.com/kzncogta

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kzncogta

Instagram: www.instagram.com/kzncogta

Website: www.kzncogta.gov.za

Ends

KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Nomusa Dube-Ncube today led disaster management teams in providing emergency relief to the families affected by the heavy storms that took place last night in the area of eMbulweni, Ward 9, in the Alfred Duma local municipality where 70 homes were destroyed leaving close to 400 people destitute.

During her visit, MEC Dube-Ncube ensured that adequate relief is provided to the affected families. “What we have witnessed here today is heart-breaking: the sight of houses completely destroyed by last night’s storm is unimaginable. We have accompanied our teams to lend a hand in the mop-up operation as many families have been left with nothing,” said Dube-Ncube.

“We call upon our residents across the provide to be wary of inclement weather conditions as they pose a serious danger, more especially in low-lying areas,” continued Dube-Ncube. Affected households have received sanitary products, food, stoves, cutlery and emergency accommodation so that they can commence the process of rebuilding their lives.

Thembisile Msibi (67) has lost a house in which she lived with her four grandchildren who are of school-going age. Gogo Msibi had to seek shelter with her neighbours when the storm took place. “I am grateful for the quick response that has been provided and we now have hope that we can pick up our lives following what we went through last night,” she said.

Disaster management teams are continuing with their operations to ensure that life gets back to normal for the affected households in the area.

For more information contact: KZN Cogta spokesperson Lennox Mabaso, 082 884 2304; or Senzelwe Mzila on 0824741882

Twitter: www.twitter.com/kzncogta

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kzncogta

Instagram: www.instagram.com/kzncogta

Website: www.kzncogta.gov.za

Ends.

KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Nomusa Dube-Ncube has expressed her condolences to the Mkhwanazi and Buthelezi families of Msinga, Ward 16, Gxushaneni area, who both lost their loved ones yesterday during a freak thunderstorm that took place in the uMzinyathi district.

The deceased, Thulani Buthelezi (60) and Mathuli Mkhwanazi (28) were struck by lightning and died on the scene in thunderstorms that were accompanied by heavy rainfall and strong winds. Another 32-year old female was seriously injured and was taken to hospital.

Dube-Ncube has expressed her condolences to the affected families. “We are saddened by the incident where we lost two innocent lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families during this difficult time. Officials have been dispatched to assist the families. Our work is cut out for us as the provincial government as we implement measures that mitigate the impact of climate change,” said Dube-Ncube.

KZN Cogta is already rolling-outstarted the lightning conductors program to areas that are most prone to such incidents. According to the MEC, this process will, however, not be able to cover every household in the province and requires those who have means to purchase these devices. They have now been made available by nearest hardware shops.

Many areas accross the province such as Nkandla, Nongoma, Bergville and many others including public facilities such as schools and clinics have been supplied with lighting conductors.

Government is also urging municipalities to assist vulnerable communities.

Cogta continues with disaster awareness campaigns to arm communities about climate change impact.

KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Nomusa Dube-Ncube has commended the great efforts that have been made in unblocking service delivery challenges within the local community by Utrecht’s Ward 2 War Room in the eMadlangeni municipality.

Dube-Ncube today visited Ward 2 as part of the Provincial Cabinet-led Operation Sukuma Sakhe, which saw all MECs and the Premier visit various wards within the Amajuba district family of municipalities with the aim of meeting community members and resolving service delivery challenges experienced by residents.

Dube-Ncube first met with the War Room of Ward 2, which gave an impressive report on the efforts made to resolve challenges faced by the local school. Emadlangeni Deputy Mayor, Ntshikelelo Ndlovu, who is also the Ward Councillor and the War Room Chairperson highlighted the impact they have been able to make through working with residents.

“We have been able to tackle social ills, like crime and substance abuse, through working hand in hand with sector departments who have been very helpful,” said Ndlovu. The delegation then proceeded to inspect various projects within the ward which include fixing of roads.

Dube-Ncube also met with residents at Ward 2 Community Hall where various issues were raised that touch on service delivery. The MEC made an undertaking to follow up issues with the various sector departments. In her address to residents, Dube-Ncube urged them to work together with the leadership in their municipality to tackle issues in a manner that is constructive.

“The purpose of our gathering with you is to inspect whether things are being done here. We are glad to see that there is progress, as this council has weathered various storms, including political instability within the council which previously delayed the implementation of service delivery programmes. This led to the department placing the council under administration in 2017. This intervention stabilised the municipality and last year this intervention ended,” said Dube-Ncube.

The municipality continues to receive specialised support from Cogta in the area of Local Economic Development with the aim of improving creation of employment opportunities through investing in proper infrastructure, such as roads, water, electricity and sanitation.

Ends.

The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has today provided festive cheer to over a hundred children who are from surrounding communities within uMngeni Local Municipality. The Christmas Party was held at the historic Nelson Mandela Capture Site in Howick yesterday.

Children were brimming with excitement as they played games, received gifts and learned important lessons about the significance of the Capture Site, which is the last place where Madiba was a freeman prior to his capture in 1962. The Children were taken to the world famous sculpture, where MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube gave the little ones a lesson about the significance of the sculpture and the values that Madiba stood for which they should also aim to follow.

“The year 2018 is designated as the year of Nelson Mandela and Albertina Sisulu. I believe that the best way to honour the legacy of Madiba and MaSisulu is by remembering the precious little ones, who are the inheritors of the new South Africa” said Dube-Ncube.

“It is very befitting that we conclude this year at this significant spot in our countries history.  The joy we saw today from the children is a reminder that as leaders we are merely custodians and have to ensure that we educate our children about our history as a country” continued Dube-Ncube.

The Department of Cogta has invested millions of rand to the development the Nelson Mandela Capture Precinct, to provide economic benefit to communities within the uMgungundlovu District, as it attracts thousands of visitors a month.

End

Move designed to end the paralysis and forcefully implement the forensic investigation report

KZN Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube has today announced that the Provincial Cabinet during its last session resolved to place the beleaguered Endumeni Council in Dundee under administration in terms of section 139 (1)(b) of the Constitution.

The move by the Provincial Executive follows months of infighting and paralysis which have gripped this Northern KZN municipality, compromising key areas of service delivery.

Endumeni Municipality has been embroiled in internal strife which saw the entity without a Mayor and Speaker for a considerable period of time. The Council subsequently held a meeting, after an intervention from Cogta, and eventually elected the Mayor and Speaker.
Prior to the election of the new Council Executive, MEC Dube-Ncube tabled a forensic investigation which uncovered rampant corruption, including the payment of donations to individuals under the pretext that these were donations to religious organisations. These organisations were found to be non-existent.
Some payments were made to business entities to purchase equipment in contravention of the municipality’s own policies, fraudulent subsistence and travelling claims, irregular appointment of service providers in violation of the municipality’s supply chain management procedures, and excessive and irregular expenditure on security services, among other things.
“This forensic report is proof of our commitment to good and clean governance. As government, we are committed to ensuring that our municipalities spend each and every rand on the real needs of communities. We are fighting maladministration, fraud and corruption in municipalities wherever and whenever these occur. All reported allegations are duly investigated without fear or favour and Cogta does regular follow-ups on the progress with implementation of its recommendations,” said Dube-Ncube.
She said the allegations that led to the investigation were directed at some of the most senior elected leaders and appointed officials at the municipality.
The Council was given 21 days within which to process the report and advise the MEC of remedial action and to date this has not taken place and the report is said to be missing. Cogta has supplied another copy of the report to the new Council.
The intervention is expected to, among other things, speed-up the implementation of the forensic report and opening of criminal cases against all those implicated. It is also expected to fast-track disciplinary processes and usher in a new era of good and clean governance in the municipality.
“We are implementing this intervention because we want to see positive change in the lives of the people and how this municipality is governed. Nothing will change unless all those implicated in the corrupt dealings that have crippled this municipality are arrested and barred from dealing with public money,” said Dube-Ncube.
While we are confident with the recent election of Mayor Mlotshwa, we need to bring an end the instability that has prevailed at Endumeni for a long time. We will soon announce the administrator who will implement a turn-around strategy aimed at restoring full functionality. The administrator will make all the decisions in consultation with the Council.

“We are urging the Endumeni council to cooperate with the administrator in the best interest of the people of this municipality,” said Dube-Ncube.
For more information contact: KZN Cogta spokesperson Lennox Mabaso, 082 884 2403 or Senzelwe Mzila on 0824741882

Today’s official opening of the multi-million rand Maphumulo taxi rank and market stalls marks an important chapter in the lives of residents in the small rural municipality of Maphumulo. The opening ceremony was led by KZN MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Mxolisi Kaunda.

The construction of the taxi rank to the tune of R8.7-million was funded by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs under the leadership of MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube. This investment is part of a broader strategy to transform the small town of Maphumulo through the construction of key public infrastructure like roads and sidewalks.

“We have to date invested over R25- million in this small town alone to ensure that we realise the objectives of local economic development which will ultimately uplift the lives of Maphumulo’s residents and encourage businesses to create jobs in this municipality,” said MEC Dube-Ncube.

During the official opening, MEC Kaunda, urged residents to ensure that they protect this vital infrastructure. “We have a serious scourge in the province where people vandalise government infrastructure in the name of protests. We urge all of you to ensure that you protect this infrastructure that our government has brought to you,” said Kaunda.

MEC Kaunda further urged residents to take great precaution on the roads during the festive season.

Twitter: www.twitter.com/kzncogta

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kzncogta

Website: www.kzncogta.gov.za

ENDS

KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) can confirm that the uThukela District Municipality has been visited by the Hawks and members of the SAPS in search of documents which may assist them in their ongoing investigations.

“We have been informed by our administrator deployed to uThukela district, since this municipality is currently under a provincial government intervention in terms of section 139 of the constitution, that this activity by the Hawks has indeed taken place, and that some interactions with some of the officials. We maintains that the Hawks are a highly competent law enforcement agency and are assured of the full cooperation from stakeholders in municipalities ” said KZN MEC for Cogta Nomusa Dube-Ncube.

We ask at this stage that law enforcement agencies be allowed to deal with their processes  and that no premature conclusion should be drawn without all the due processes having been concluded. The municipality continues to function optimally by rendering services to communities as required by the constitution. We have faith in all our law enforcement agencies performing their duties without fear, favour and prejudice and we support all efforts aimed at promoting good and clean governance in all public institutions including the private sector.

We will keep watching the developments in uThukela with keen interest.

Twitter: www.twitter.com/kzncogta

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kzncogta

Instagram: www.instagram.com/kzncogta

Website: www.kzncogta.gov.za

Ends.