Water and Environmental Minister Buyelwa Sonjica is concerned about the impact of climate change in the Northern Cape.
"This (climate change) is likely to have an effect on all South Africa's provinces but it is anticipated that the Western Cape and Northern Cape could be the most severely impacted. In particular, it is predicted that Northern Cape will get hotter and drier in the decades to come," the minister said at Northern Cape's Water Indaba on Thursday.
She said there were a number of projects being considered with respect to solar power and clearly the Northern Cape was uniquely positioned to capitalise on this. At the same time, however, these installations will require water supply so integrated planning is essential.
Increased emphasis on water conservation and demand management is virtually non-negotiable, Sonjica said.
Agriculture will need to continue to strive to use water more efficiently and the Working for Water Programme must continue its work and, if possible, be expanded.
On the supply side, the minister said desalination of sea water will certainly need to be considered in some areas.
"Another good technology, particularly for domestic and garden use, is rainwater harvesting and a project to address this has been undertaken in Kareeberg Municipality," the minister said. - BuaNews
