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The Western Cape Government has mobilised a coordinated, multi-agency emergency response to support Beaufort West Municipality following severe flooding that damaged critical water supply infrastructure and disrupted water services to the town.

MEC of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, said the focus of government remains firmly on restoring water supply as quickly as possible and ensuring that residents have access to emergency water in the interim.

“Since the incident was identified on 4 September, all relevant spheres and agencies of government have been mobilised. Our priority is getting water to people and repairing the damaged infrastructure,” said MEC Bredell.

The provincial response involves Beaufort West Municipality, the Central Karoo District Municipality, the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, the Department of Local Government and a range of municipal, private-sector and humanitarian partners.

Provincial interventions include the activation of disaster management and Joint Operations Centre structures, the deployment and coordination of emergency water tankers, ongoing water distribution to affected communities, technical assessments of damaged infrastructure, engineering support to the municipality and assistance in sourcing specialised materials required for repairs.

The Western Cape Government has also made R1 million immediately available to support emergency repair work.

Responding to calls for a disaster to be declared, MECBredell said, 

“Disaster classification is an important legal process where the circumstances require it, but it should not be confused with emergency response. The necessary interventions are already underway. A declaration is not required before government can help, and it has not delayed our response in any way.”

Access to the damaged 600 mm pipeline was initially severely constrained by high river levels and flood conditions, limiting the ability of technical teams to conduct an immediate and comprehensive assessment. Despite these difficult conditions, technical teams have continued working on the affected infrastructure, while progress has also been made in restoring parts of the municipal water system and replenishing reservoir levels.

Emergency water supply arrangements remain in place, with particular attention being given to vulnerable communities and critical public facilities.

“The people of Beaufort West need water, and that remains our overriding priority. Every available resource is being directed towards maintaining emergency supply arrangements and restoring the municipal system as safely and quickly as possible,” said Bredell.

The MEC said provincial and local government structures would continue working closely together until normal water services have been restored.

Issued by Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development