Mokonyane said at the World Water Week meeting in Stockholm, Sweden, this week, that research conducted by scientists revealed that the unfavourable climate conditions would persist for the next three years and result in South Africa receiving below average rainfall, the water affairs and sanitation department said in a statement on Sunday.

The department had declared some parts of the country, especially in KwaZulu-Natal, disaster areas. While the main focus would be on water shortages, Mokonyane believed a further focus should be on public awareness and education on how citizens could manage the little water available.

Current interventions included provision of water in rural areas and informal settlements through water tankers, and water restrictions to ensure better water demand management and supply in areas affected by the drought.

Mokonyane believed the best weapon to fight the drought was individual self-discipline by water users, the department said.

ANA