adminCouncillor Sikhanyisiwe Mpofu, during an interview on the sidelines of a launch on Peace and Good Local Governance at Nyamandlovu Farmers’ Hall on Wednesday.
Clr Mpofu said crops such as maize and millet were a complete write-off after being affected by the long dry spell in the area.
“This year the rains were not significant and the crops suffered badly. Crops such as maize and millet have been destroyed by lack of water,” said Clr Mpofu.
“This year there was drought and farmers are expecting about 30 percent of the harvest they got last year. The situation is grave.”
The District Administrator for Umguza, Mrs Ennety Sithole, said the district experienced less than normal rainfall.
She said community leaders should be united in finding a lasting solution to mitigate the perennial drought in the district.
“The drought in the area affects a lot of people and we as the leadership should be in the forefront in finding a solution to this problem.
“In unity we can find a lasting solution that would mitigate the dry weather we face with various projects that can ensure food security,” said Mrs Sithole.
According to the Meteorological Services Department, the southern parts of the country have received less than 75 percent average rainfall since the start of the 2011-2012 rainy season.
The department said Inyathi in Matabeleland North had recorded the lowest rainfall total so far, with about 116mm since the start of the rainy season.
Online Reporter