Limpopo has requested funds from the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) as the province grapples with drought and farmers losing their livestock.
The Limpopo department of cooperative governance, human settlements and traditional affairs (Coghsta) urgently requested an additional allocation of R25m. The funding is expected to support critical relief measures, including R15m for livestock feed and R10m for livestock watering.
Provincial Coghsta spokesperson Molebatsi Masedi said by securing the financial assistance, they aim to bolster its drought mitigation strategies, protect the livelihood of farmers and enhance resilience against future climate change.
The province has been facing severe drought conditions since November last year, characterised by extreme heat waves, veld fires and inadequate rainfall. The drought has particularly affected the Waterberg, Sekhukhune and Capricorn districts.
Masedi said the challenging conditions have had a significant impact on livestock farmers struggling to sustain their livestock during poor grazing and dwindling water supplies.
“Though above-normal rainfall in January 2024 temporarily improved dam levels to 84.7%, the benefits were insufficient for long-term relief. The harsh drought has intensified the need for immediate and effective agricultural disaster management to support communities heavily reliant on farming,” he said.
Phathu Luvhengo
www.timeslive.co.za
