STATEMENT BY DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS

STATEMENT BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE (SANDF): SANDF PROVIDES SUPPORT TO THE EDEN AND AMATOLE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITIES

Date of Release: 02 February 2009
Embargo: None

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF), in support of Local Disaster Management structures, has deployed four water bunkers to the Eden District Municipality, and six water bunkers to the Amatole District Municipality. Both municipalities have experienced water shortages, and are currently unable to meet the daily requirement.

Operation HUMAN, the SANDF operation in support of both municipalities was launched on 25 January 2009 in the Eden District Municipality and on 28 January 2009 in the Amatole District Municipality.

On 22 January 2009, the river supplying water to the Sedgefield area in the Western Cape ran dry. The reserves in the reservoirs of the area have subsequently also run out. This resulted in water shortages in the Eden District Municipality. Local authorities have several water tankers, but are unable to meet the daily requirement.

As of 30 January 2009, 367 000 liters of drinking water has been supplied to the town’s main reservoir by SANDF teams, using 4 water bunkers.

The Amatole District Municipality in the Eastern Cape, servicing the towns of Adelaide and Fort Beaufort is also unable to meet the daily requirement as water reserves are depleted. The SANDF team in this area has thus far provided 137 000 liters of water, pumped from the Fish River and transported to the Adelaide water purification plant.

Operation HUMAN is scheduled to continue until 28 February 2009; where after the situation on the ground will be re-accessed.

Ends.

Issued by: Defence Corporate Communication
(Defence Media Liaison)
Pretoria

Enquiries: Colonel Petrus Motlhabane
(012) 355 6388 or 072 288 3402