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Friday, 20th October, 2023

KOBWA CAPACITATES FARMERS ON EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS IN READINESS FOR THE RAINY SEASON

Ms. Khethiwe Ngcobo KOBWA Integrated Water Resources Management Specialist giving an overview of Maguga and Driekoppies Dams statuses

On the 19th of October 2023, the Komati Basin Water Authority (KOBWA) facilitated a High Flow Season Emergency Preparedness Workshop held at Mananga Country Lodge. Over 50 farmers from downstream of the Komati Basin who use the water stored in dams for agricultural purposes were capacitated on how to prepare themselves for the rainy season, to ensure a proper and efficient response should an emergency arise at Maguga Dam due to natural floods. Ms. Khethiwe Ngcobo, KOBWA Integrated Water Resources Management Specialist gave a status update of Maguga and Driekoppies dams respectively; Maguga was at 95% full while Driekoppies was at 97% full. Thus, in the event there were heavy rains, the dams do not have storage to capture flood water from upstream. Therefore, she cautioned farmers to be on the lookout for any alerts that KOBWA may issue to ensure safety of life, livestock, and property.

Mr. Lucky Sigudla from Eswatini Meteorologial Service presenting October 2023 - February 2024 weather forecast to the stakeholders

Mr. Lucky Sigudla from Eswatini Meteorological Service informed the farmers that they should expect normal rainfall with a bias towards above average rainfall countrywide between October 2023 to February 2024. He further noted that due to Enso El Nino that was happening at the tropical, Eswatini is likely to experiences periodic dry spells and hotter than normal days. Moreover, these El Nino episodes were expected to gradually strengthen into the Southern Hemisphere summer 2023-24, so is the likelihood of its impact into Eswatini.

Ms. Ann Kruger from Emandla Ekuphila Water User District presenting to the farmers and stakeholders

National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) Representative, Mr. Siboniso Mavuso, cautioned the farmers to prepare themselves for any eventualities by preparing a contingency plan to mitigate the impact of the rainy season and possible El Nino. He noted that the plan helps in''anticipating and forecasting imminent hazards, predict possible consequences, better prepare for necessary measures, save lives, minimize the disaster impact, ease sufferings of the affected people through preparedness and humanitarian response and recovery assistance provision''. Furthermore, Mr. Mavuso urged the farmers to know the risks, vulnerabilities, capacities, and capabilities as it helps when drafting the contingency plan.

Farmers smiling for the camera after the successful workshop

Ms. Anne Kruger from Emandla Ekuphila Water User District, noted that the institution responds to flood risks and management and ensures that water users comply with terms and conditions of water permits and other national water laws and regulations, as well as maintain water use and related data bases. She reminded farmers to act once they have been warned about potential flooding to minimise the negative impact of heavy rains. Speaking on behalf of KOBWA, Ms. Khethiwe Ngcobo extended words of appreciation to the farmers and stakeholders that attended the workshop. She further noted that KOBWA would continue to update farmers through the right communication channels even during the festive season.