The town of Citrusdal has received a financial boost to mitigate future flood damage, after the Western Cape Department of Agriculture handed over nearly R15 million to the Citrusdal Water Users Association.

The funds will be used to reinstate drainage along the Olifants River, and remove sediment and debris that block the flow of the river.

The town was cut off from the outside world last month after heavy rain caused the river to overflow, washing away the main access road. This was the second time that the road had been washed away in less than a year.

MEC Ivan Meyer says the area is of great agricultural importance to the Western Cape, but the 2023 and 2024 floods significantly affected farmland’s ecological infrastructure.

READ: Cederberg floods, Citrusdal cut off

“The flood resulted in the agricultural sector requiring significant repairs, including removing debris and sediment build-up over approximately 60 kilometres along the main stem of the Olifants River.”

“We must protect the water security of the region, particularly the agricultural industries and livelihoods that depend on it.”

Both Dr Ruben Richards, the Executive Mayor of Citrusdal, and Boffie Strydom, the Executive Mayor of the West Coast District Municipality, expressed their gratitude to the Western Cape Government for responding to farmers’ plight following severe flood damage to agriculture in the area.

The Western Cape Government Head of Agriculture, Dr Mogale Sebopetsa, highlighted that partnership and collaboration with the citrus farmers, businesses, municipalities and water user associations is crucial to dealing with more frequent extreme weather patterns due to climate change.

“Our focus is also to care for the environment and the local communities affected by the recent floods. The funding is in line with the value of responsiveness of the Western Cape Government.”

Stefan Theron of the Citrusdal Waters Users Association said it is “significant to note the impact the floods and the damage to the roads have on people’s lives and their access to food and cash.”

“The R14.98 million donation will enable us to reinstate drainage along the river, remove sediment and debris islands that can block or divert river flow and reinstate access along the river where roads, cultivated fields, orchards, and infrastructure have washed away.”

MEC Meyer acknowledged that while a permanent solution would need to be found to the road infrastructure at the entrance/exit to Citrusdal, the agriculture sector will have to adapt to climate change, by repairing infrastructure in a way that is resilient and able to withstand more unpredictable weather.