Operation Hydrates next big project

As the country marked World Water Day on 22 March and National Water Week 17 March to 23 March ,Operation Hydrate aims to build boreholes in drought-stricken areas around South Africa.

Operation Hydrate coordinator Yaseen Theba said Operation Hydrate was started by a group of good Samaritans in early January, and have so far distributed 12 million litres of water to five provinces. This has been made possible by the generosity of various volunteers, corporate sponsors and schools.

“Boreholes are now our top priority. It provides for much needed long-term sustainability and we need to drill many without delay. The organisation has plans underway to drill boreholes in Modimolle, Limpopo and Swartruggens in the North West. They have allocated over R 1.2 million for the drilling of 15 boreholes in partnership with the Al–Imdaad Foundation,”said Theba.

In support of the organisation’s fundraising initiative, Theba said they have launched the sales of Operation Hydrate wrist bands in Sandton City on 21 March. The bands will be sold at R20 each, funds raised for each band will be used to purchase two five litre bottles.

He added that water is a basic human right and believes that municipalities and others responsible for the poor infrastructure and planning of the distribution of water, should take responsibility. A province such as Gauteng is fortunate to not be affected by the drought, due to regular maintenance and repairs being done.

“We will continue to deliver water to those in need and we are grateful to the many donors, sponsors, partners and volunteers. Water collection points will close at the end of March, however deliveries of bottled water and tankers will continue. This is due to the logistics of preparing the loads as transport is costly and time consuming. We also urge companies to continue to donate truckloads of water,” Theba concluded.

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