The extensive rain parts of the Western Cape experienced has left a trail of devastation in its wake. While some farmers said the rain brought relief to their farming operations, it also caused damage to ailing infrastructure.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has revealed that the Cape Town City (Oranjezicht) station recorded 317.6 mm of rain in July 2024, far exceeding the long-term average of 128.0 mm.
“Beginning in June 2024, rainfall accumulation was notably below normal, consistent with seasonal forecasts that predicted a drier winter period.
“However, the landscape changed drastically in July, as a series of cold fronts swept through the region, some of which brought severe weather conditions and substantial rainfall,” the SAWS said in a statement.
Cape of storms
While mop-up operations have started in places like Citrusdal, Darling and the Swartland following devastating rains that wiped out roads and caused a lot of damage on the infrastructure, the provincial government has called for more resources from the national government.
Angelo Marman, the owner of Abitz farming in the Swartland, said since the heavy rains weeks ago, operations are now a bit better, however, the roads are still only accessible with 4×4 bakkies.
“Half of the farm is still soaked so I could only plant half the farm. However, there is the good part about all this rain, which is less electricity is needed for [the] pump. That’s the only positive from all this.
“But the loss of time for planting and delivery to clients outweighs the gains on electricity,” he said.
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Lots of work to be done
Meanwhile, the Western Cape minister of infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, said the damaged caused by the heavy rains in Citrusdal is likely to take much longer than expected.
Citrusdal has experienced significant challenges in road access routes to the town. A section of the link to the N7 completely washed away.
“The process entails preparing the area, followed by constructing a drainage layer (which could include rockfill) followed by various layer works. Half-width traffic will be allowed with stop-and-go traffic controls as soon as the base layers are in place so that formal layer works are completed,” he explained.
The department said the cost of these repairs is not yet known.
The president of the National African Farmers Union (Nafu), Motsepe Matlala, said it is important for agricultural role players to have serious discussions on the impact of climate change.
“Citrusdal is a critical area in terms of our fruit exports. We cannot have such areas being damaged with no access to the farms; it poses a great threat to our export markets,” he said.
Infrastructure development
To increase capacity for future heavy rainfall, the Clanwilliam Dam is under construction.
The spokesperson on agriculture, economic development and tourism of the Democratic Alliance Western Cape, Noko Masipa, said with agriculture being the cornerstone of the Western Cape economy, water projects like the Clanwilliam Dam are essential to ensure the agricultural sector continues to contribute significantly to job creation.
Masipa was speaking ahead of deputy minister of water and sanitation Sello Seitlholo’s visit to the province and the Clanwilliam Dam.
“Notably, 75% of the additional water yield from this project is earmarked for the benefit of emerging farmers. The timely finalisation of this vital infrastructure is crucial to sustaining the rural economy and supporting livelihoods of our farmers,” he said.
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