In Swellendam, Western Cape, residents are facing Level 3 water restrictions amid dwindling dam levels due to low rainfall. The community has united in conservation efforts as supplies dwindle to critical lows. Local authorities highlight both immediate challenges and long-term solutions.
Swellendam, a town in South Africa's Western Cape, is grappling with a severe water shortage exacerbated by a low-rainfall season. At Level 3 restrictions, households are limited to six kilolitres of water per month, a cap that strains larger families. The Grootkloof Dam 3, the primary source of drinking water, stood at 46% capacity between December 15 and 17, providing just 41 days of supply.
Residents like Le Roux van der Merwe, who runs a property agency, have stepped up to help. On December 16, his team distributed about 63 containers of water to those in need across the Overberg region, including Swellendam. "We try to conserve and to assist others where possible," van der Merwe said when asked about managing the restrictions.
The Campher family echoed frustrations with the system. Wilhelm Campher, a lifelong resident, noted that a local river has never run dry before, blaming municipal weaknesses. His son Roelof pointed out the inequity: "The one guy that stays on his own gets six kilolitres, but if you were a family of six, it's the same."
Municipal manager Anneleen Vorster addressed concerns over population influx from farm labourers and a new wind farm project, which strains infrastructure. She clarified that poorer areas like Railton use less than the limit, with high consumption centered in the central business district. To enforce rules, a leak detection team has been deployed.
Short-term plans include drilling four or five boreholes, with hopes of funding from the Department of Local Government. Longer-term initiatives involve drawing water from the Breede Valley River and raising the Buffeljags Dam's height. Vorster praised the community's response: "I'm very proud of how the community rallied around this... the changes in people's behaviour in terms of water conservation are going to stay."
