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Kouga dam crisis: water allocations cut, threatening Gamtoos Valley agriculture

As the Kouga Dam's capacity dwindles to below 9%, after recent rainfall, the agricultural sector in South Africa's Gamtoos Valley faces challenges. The dam, essential for the valley's 132 water users, supports citrus, cash crops, and dairy farming. The anticipated reduction in water allocations to a mere 20% of the usual annual quotas could severely impact the region's economy, heavily reliant on agriculture.

Rienette Colesky, CEO of the Gamtoos Irrigation Board (GIB), overseeing the dam's water distribution, highlighted the tough conditions for local farmers, with the dam at 8.8% capacity. The expected allocation of 20% is far below the 40% deemed necessary for survival. Tertius Meyer, GIB chairman, and a citrus farmer, described the situation as critical, especially for cash crop farmers facing reduced planting capabilities and labor needs.

The previous year's 85% allocation allowed for some relief and the planting of young citrus trees, now in need of more water. The region, experiencing prolonged dry conditions, requires substantial rainfall to replenish the dam. Pieter Ferreira, a local farmer, emphasized the unprecedented challenge of potentially not planting potatoes for the first time in 48 years due to the drought.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted normal market channels for crops like lettuce, compounding the difficulties faced by farmers. Johan Kotze, of Langkloof Water, noted the extended periods of below-average rainfall, with the last significant drought occurring in the 1980s. Despite a brief respite in 2018 when allocations were increased to 40% following rainfall, current dam levels across the Nelson Mandela Metro suggest severe forthcoming restrictions.

The Department of Water and Sanitation is set to announce the new water quotas after detailed analyses of the region's water systems and demands. These allocations are critical for both agricultural and municipal water users in one of Eastern Cape's largest water catchment areas.

Source: Citizen

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