Times Of Swaziland: SERIOUS WATER SHORTAGE LOOMING

SERIOUS WATER SHORTAGE LOOMING
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Sthembile Hlatshwayo on 10/09/2018 09:04:00


EZULWINI – Eswatini is once again heading for a serious water shortage and
crop failure.
Indications by the Eswatini Meteorological Service Department show that the
kingdom might not receive adequate rainfall during the first quarter which is
October, November and December. This was revealed by the department during the
National Rainfall and Climate Outlook Forum (NARCOF) Dissemination meeting, held
at Happy Valley on Wednesday.
Forecaster Sifiso Nzalo said during the above months, Eswatini would receive
above to normal rainfall. Nzalo said in December, January and February, there
would be normal rains with a bias of below. This, Nzalo said meant that the
country would receive less than usual rains collected during those months.
He said more rains would be received in November, December and January but in
February and March, Eswatini would receive reduced and below of what was
normally accumulated.
According to Nzalo, the indications of the weather outlook showed that the
country would experience water shortage and required to put majors in place.
Chief Executive Officer at the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA),
Russell Dlamini also noted that the rainfall season was not going to be a normal
one. Dlamini said it showed that the country would receive less rainfall which
would affect livelihoods.
He said other regions were expected to be worse off especially the lowveld.
Dlamini said it was imperative to monitor the water levels, including the river
basins and dams. “The agency has activated a plan to have monthly reports and
should the situation worsen, we will meet and communicate regularly,” he said.
Manager Operations at NDMA Sihle Mzileni said predicted rainfall implications of
the 2018/19 country outlook showed that the country would be faced with a
drought onset. Mzileni said these were the primary impacts of the El Nino
induced drought to be witnessed by the country during the season. He said the
projected implications of the season in terms of envisaged hazards, as informed
by previous vulnerability assessment reports and drought impact studies were a
manifestation of prolonged dry spells and extreme heat.