There have been a number of articles in the news recently about the
drought/water situation in Cape Town. Here is information we have
obtained from the Cape Town Visitors and Convention Services Bureau.
“The City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Provincial Government are doing
everything in their powers to mitigate the challenges faced by the ongoing
drought in the region.
Importantly, at the current dam levels, the City of Cape Town has assured
us that Cape Town will not run out of water until March next year and by
then several of the City’s initiatives will have come on line to push that
day out even further. By working together with businesses, through a
variety of initiatives, the aim of the local and provincial governments is
to ensure that the taps do not run dry at any point.
From a tourist perspective, it is important to realise
that despite Cape
Town being a popular destination, foreign tourists only make up on
average
1% of the population of the Western Cape Province at any given time, and
total tourists (foreign and local) constitute only 3,4% of the total
provincial population on the busiest days.
There is thus no need for tourists to change their plans or to consider
alternate destinations.
That said, visitors are asked to be aware of the current water crisis
facing the city and province and to adopt the approach launched by the City
to ‘Save like a Local’.
For useful resources and water saving tips please visit:
https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/
residential-utility-services/residential-water-and-sanitation-services/make-
water-saving-a-way-of-life
We do not believe this is an issue that should cause people to 'panic' or
not attend.
On behalf of the Wikimania '18 organizing team,
Ellie
--
Ellie Young
Events Manager
Wikimedia Foundation
eyoung(a)wikimedia.org