By Hassan Isilow
JOHANNESBURG (AA) - The South African government on Tuesday declared the ongoing drought and water shortage in parts of the country a national disaster.
Zweli Mkhize, minister of cooperative governance and traditional affairs, told reporters at parliament that three provinces out of the country’s nine are affected.
Cape Town, a popular tourism destination, is among those worst hit. Other affected areas include parts of the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, and the Western Cape.
South Africa has been receiving less rainfall or none for several months due to changes in climatic conditions. Most dams in the country have seen a reduction in their water levels.
Mkhize says a total of 6 billion rand ($508 million) was set aside for disasters in the 2018-2019 budget.
He said measures are being put in place to ensure that provinces that require funds to help mitigate the drought immediately receive the money.
Cape Town city authorities have been instructing residents to use only 50 liters of water per day or face a fine.
Some residents have been seen queuing at standpipes, boreholes, and wells constructed by the city to get water.
The city has warned those who abuse water that the taps might run dry in a matter of months.