Medium- to long-term water security concerns remain in Oudtshoorn and Kannaland as the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) prepares for the 2026/27 summer and fire season.
Priority interventions include water-supply measures in Dysselsdorp and the Klein Karoo, additional groundwater supplies for Calitzdorp, new water sources for Zoar and borehole refurbishment in Ladismith.
Preparations also account for increased holiday visitor numbers and the possibility of several emergencies occurring simultaneously.
According to GRDM disaster manager Gerhard Otto, the climate outlook cited in the municipality’s statement of 23 September indicates that El Niño is established and expected to strengthen towards the end of 2026.
The statement cites a World Meteorological Organization estimate of a nearly 100% likelihood that El Niño will persist through February 2027. Strong conditions can influence rainfall and temperatures, increasing the risk of extreme heat, drought and other weather-related hazards. However, El Niño’s strength does not determine the severity of its effects in a particular region.
“We have learned difficult lessons from the fires, floods, severe weather and other incidents experienced in recent months and years. Climate change and changing weather patterns mean that preparedness cannot only begin when a disaster occurs; it must be an ongoing effort,” said Otto.
Dr Nina Viljoen, GRDM’s head of environmental management, emphasised that coastal communities, inland farming areas and the Klein Karoo face different vulnerabilities. Prolonged heat and dry conditions could increase water stress and veld-fire danger, while heavy rainfall could cause flooding and erosion.
At the time of the statement, no immediate water-security threats were foreseen in Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George or Bitou. Medium- to long-term concerns remained in Oudtshoorn, Kannaland and Knysna. Alternative groundwater schemes are also among the priorities for Knysna, Buffalo Bay and Sedgefield.
GRDM will have access to one 6 000-litre and two 10 000-litre water tankers, alongside mobile and static generators. Drinking and recreational water will continue to be sampled during the holiday period.
Emergency readiness includes early-warning systems, standby arrangements and coordination between agencies. Fire stations in George, Riversdale and Ladismith are supported by mutual-aid agreements with local municipalities, PetroSA and neighbouring districts, together with an operational Incident Command System.
Seasonal firefighters and dedicated aerial firefighting resources will be activated from 1 December 2026. Lifesaving services will also be deployed.
The December and January holiday period will require close coordination across emergency and municipal services. Residents and visitors are urged to conserve water, prevent avoidable fires, protect sensitive natural areas and follow official safety instructions and warnings.
“Our focus now is on being proactive rather than reactive. We must monitor risks continuously, prepare early, respond together and ensure that support is available when local capacity is stretched,” said Otto.
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