“The spirit of cooperation and good-will was evident at the meeting,” said Nabeal Dien, chief executive officer of the WPCA.
“This drought is immense and we are aware that the cancellation may impact negatively on the game at grass roots level. Yet we are also aware about the lack of water and day zero presenting an existential crisis which we want to address in association with the City and its people in a thoughtful manner.”
The City implemented Level 6B water restrictions effective from 1st February. No water or irrigation with municipal drinking water is allowed. This includes no watering and irrigation of gardens, vegetables, agricultural crops, sport fields, golf courses and other open spaces. Borehole or well-point water should rather be used for toilet flushing.
Should borehole or well-point water be used for garden irrigation, this must be limited to a maximum of one hour only on Tuesdays and Saturdays before 09:00 or after 18:00, according to the City of Cape Town.
The suspension includes the KFC mini cricket, girls cricket, under 13 and under 15 knockout competitions.
An application has been made to the City of Cape Town to host the semi-final and final of the U19 Coca-Cola Schools T20 Challenge taking place on 13th February 2018.
Concessions have been made for the WP Youth Excellence Program (district nets and trials) as well as all schools hosting pre-arranged incoming touring games with prior notification to the WPCA office so that the City of Cape Town can be approached and consulted.
Earlier in the season, WPCA decided to reduce the senior club season fixtures by 57% due to the City’s concerns of there being sufficient water to service municipalities.
Dien appealed to the affiliated schools and clubs to adhere to the decision taken by the WPCA, its board and other stakeholders in association with the City of Cape Town.
Dien reiterated the importance of the WPCA to liaise continuously with the City to use less water at the PPC Newlands. All the public toilets are closed on non-match days.
The curator, Evan Flint, will strictly adhere to the rules, and the board of WPCA is researching the possibility of tapping the borehole into the municipal supply and getting PPC Newlands off the municipal water grid.