The Western Cape Government (WCG) has released early estimations on damages in the agricultural sector following heavy rains and strong winds over the long weekend.
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According to Ashia Petersen of the provincial agriculture department, the initial assessment of the flood damage is estimated at R1.4 billion.
‘The area impacted most is the Cape Winelands. Only having assessed around 20% of the farms, the damage to infrastructure amounts to R250 million. The crop losses, which include mostly citrus and vineyards, amount to R150 million.’
The department has not been able to assess the storm’s impact on agricultural workers.
As per News24, the initial estimates indicate that the Garden Route suffered R7 million in infrastructural damage, with crop losses currently standing at R25 million.
The Overberg region suffered R130 million in infrastructural damage and R30 million in crop losses.
MEC for local government, Anton Bredell, says apart from a slight cold front expected on Friday, better weather is expected in the coming days. ‘We are aware some areas were without electricity and Eskom is currently working hard to restore power to some areas.’
Bredell adds that the provincial government has requested that President Cyril Ramaphosa call for assistance from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
‘We know that the SANDF has bridge-building experts and engineers as well as mobile bridges, so this was part of the request for the president to allow them to come and help us, especially on the N2, but it won’t happen overnight.’
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