Western Cape Agriculture MEC Ivan Meyer described the recent floods as devastating for the province’s farming sector. Two powerful storms swept through parts of the province, killing 11 people and causing widespread flooding.
Meyer said that the severe weather has not only claimed lives but has also left farms underwater, destroying crops and drowning livestock.
Meyer and Premier Alan Winde took a helicopter flight over some of the worst-hit areas on Monday to assess the damage.
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Officials are now working to verify the full financial cost to the agricultural sector. Meyer warns that the floods could leave many farmers facing massive financial losses due to damaged infrastructure and equipment.
“What we will now do for Agriculture is to prioritise high-risk zones such as the Hex River Valley, specifically for the table grapes. We have seen devastating impact also in the area of Grabouw and Elgin, the deciduous fruits, Ceres and Witzenberg.”
He said that the disaster may also disrupt food supply chains, leading to shortages and higher food prices.
Ntuthuzelo Nene
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