The Western Cape Minister of Economic Opportunities Alan Winde has welcomed the allocation of R473 million in drought relief funds for provinces and areas affected by drought.
Winde says the impact of the drought in the Western Cape has been severe.
He said the province had already spent R72 million of its own funds and a further R40 million in national funding on drought relief support to emerging farmers and on animal fodder.
Winde says by delaying the national declaration of the drought as a disaster, the national government is also delaying relief efforts. He called on the Minister of Finance Malusi Gigaba to deal with funding support efficiently to avert further losses.
He said he was disappointed at the Minister for not mentioning the major proposed projects which would contribute to water security in the province, like the upgrades of the Clan William and Brandvlei Dams.
Winde also criticised the increase in VAT, saying it will hurt the poorest of the poor the most.
