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The Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape is disappointed but not surprised that the ANC in the Western Cape continues to politicize the province’s drought crisis, with today’s misleading attack on Premier Helen Zille.

There is simply no truth that any politician in the Western Cape government "has failed to properly and prudently invest in potable water supply infrastructure and manage water better" – quite the opposite is true.

The true state of affairs is that the ANC National Government has failed to invest in increased water supply for the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and other provinces. No one can deny this, and the lack of water supply is certainly not limited to the Western Cape. Khaya Magaxa continues to expose his ignorance on the responsibilities of different spheres of Government, he must familiarize himself with the National Water Act.

But as the DA, we refuse to politicise this drought crisis, will not mislead anyone, and will not point fingers unduly. We are instead focused one-hundred percent on defeating Day Zero, which we can do if every resident works together.

As Premier, Helen Zille has already ensured that budget adjustments in the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 financial years are made, with the reallocation of over R322 million for drought alleviation.

This includes R55 million to the Western Cape Department of Local Government, R25 million to the Department of Education, and R14.6 million to the Department of Health. Furthermore, Premier Zille has stepped in as the head of the province to negotiate, along with the National Disaster Management Centre, a comprehensive plan to provide residents with water in the event that Day Zero arrives – a scenario we are working to avert.

The City of Cape Town has further activated its Disaster Operations Centre (DOC) to execute the City of Cape Town’s Water Disaster Plan, which will take effect in the event of Day Zero.

These measures are indicative of the DA’s commitment to providing service to our people, and ensuring that together as a province we can push Day Zero further out until water augmentation comes online.

We are incredibly grateful to the residents of Cape Town and the Western Cape who are saving water with such vigour. Those who are still not simply must immediately reduce consumption to less than 50 litres of water per person per day. If we work together, we can #DefeatDayZero

As the DA in the Western Cape, we are solely focused on our effort to #DefeatDayZero and we will not allow the ANC in this province to spread misinformation.

Issued by DA