Damaged canal could spell agricultural disaster

Clanwilliam - The Elephants River Valley is heading for an agricultural disaster after a water canal from the Clanwilliam dam on the western bank of the river broke on Monday, leaving 300 producers and the communities of Klawer, Vredendal, Lutzville, Strandfontein and Ebenhaezer without water.

More than 200 000 tonnes of wine grapes and 100 000 tonnes of tomatoes are affected since January/February is a critical irrigation period in the current production season when producers need maximum water supply, according to Agri Western Cape.

Producers in the area are worried since crops are fading daily due to a lack of water and the current extremely high temperatures.

Vineyards may suffer permanent damage. Almost half a hectare of vineyard was also flooded on Monday when the canal broke.

Gideon van Zyl of the farm Wilgenhof, said they don’t receive any money from government.

“Two years ago a broken canal lead to damages of R3m. Government must help with maintenance work on the canal. The economy of the whole area depends on it,” he said.