The Department of Water and Sanitation has announced that the drought in the Ladismith-Calitzdorp district had been ended and restrictions had been lifted in some areas. Department spokesperson Sputnik Ratau said: “The winter rainfall arrived late in the Western Cape. The first good rain has increased the major dam levels by an average of 2.5%.”

However, Ratau said there were currently still water restrictions in place in Clanwilliam and Vredendal. “Although the rainfall has led to a reduction in water demand, the Department of Water and Sanitation, in conjunction with the Municipalities, Water Boards and other role players are imposing maximum water restrictions within the areas affected.”