In a unified khutbah by the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) on Friday, ulema across the Western Cape have been urged to conscientise Muslims on the country’s water crisis. Since November, Cape Town has been imposed with Level 3 water restrictions, due to the on-going drought.  Residents are asked to ensure that their water consumption over the coming summer months remains consistent with their winter consumption, as this will ensure that the dams are not drawn to dangerous levels.

“South Africa is in a water crisis that will impact and affect the quality of life of all citizens.  We have witnessed during the last few years that water scarcity has become a crisis affecting many parts of South Africa,” said the MJC in a statement.

Badly affected areas such as the Karoo imported water during dry periods.  The MJC responded to a plea from the Loeriesfontein area and delivered approximately 50 000 litres of water during the past few months in order to assist the embattled community during a severe draught period.

“As responsible citizens, we appeal to our community to implement all methods in order to use water efficiently.  Enjoy the blessings of life, but take cognisance of the guidance from the Holy Quran in which God Almighty advises mankind regarding wastage as such: “O Children of Adam …Eat and drink: But waste not by excess, for God loveth not the wasters.” Quran Chapter 7, Verse 31.

“The life giving importance of water is mentioned in the Holy Quran, Chapter 21 (The Prophets), Verse 30 that “…and made from water every living thing? Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be upon Him) spoke about not wasting water and said ‘Do not waste water even if performing ablution on the bank of a fast-flowing, large river.’”

Currently, the average dam level of all the major dams in the province is at 61% vs 90% at this time last year. Theewaterskloof Dam, which is the biggest dam in the province providing water to Cape Town and irrigation, is on 52% versus 76% last year.

The Western Cape received a below average rainfall for the first time in five years.
Central Karoo and North West (Bitterfontein area) obtained extremely weak rainfall levels. This includes the northern escarpment areas such as the Murraysburg region.  Rainfall recorded in September in the Central Karoo ranged between 0 mm and 2 mm.

During October sporadic incidents of frost damage to the fruit industry occurred in the Touwsriver area (severe damage to plums), Robertson (lighter damage to grapes), and Vleiland area (damage to stone fruit).  Severe damages to vineyards in the Rawsonville area occurred in mid-October due to black frost.

“We therefore urgently request that as a community we implement water-wise policies in our homes, mosques, work place and during recreation,” the statement concluded. VOC