The drought in the central Free State, North West and the Northern Cape has reached a critical stage. No rainfall has been forecast for the rest of the year and water supplies in Bloemfontein and other towns in the province are under increasing pressure. Land meant for maize planting in the central and western Free State can be seen to be sun-scorched and barren. Some relief was delivered over the past weekend when Bloemfontein had 5 millimetres of rain and Welkom 19 millimetres and Bothaville 12 millimetres, respectively. However, this is still insufficient for grain farmers to prepare the land. Chief Executive Officer of Grain South Africa Jannie de Villiers says, "We have finished planting in the east, the rain is patchy, the heat is tremendous and not good for the crop in the west that produce most of our white maize, and the heart of our production is the Free State and North West. I don't think farmers planted 20% of what they intended. This is going to leave South Africa with a big shortage." Municipalities are appealing to residents to use water sparingly. Mangaung Metro Municipality spokesperson Qondile Khedama, says, "We have enough water for the festive season but we are asking all residents to use water sparingly and abide to the imposed water restrictions." Source - www.sabc.co.za