Pretoria - Operation Hydrate and Awqaf South Africa, supported by the Department of Water and Sanitation and the Mandela Foundation have pledged to drill 67+ boreholes in drought stricken areas over the coming months.
The initiative is part of Mandela Month celebrations, where a total of 95 boreholes are to be drilled as symbolic of the age at which former president Nelson Mandela passed away.
An amount of R7 million has been set aside for the drilling of 67 boreholes. A further 28 boreholes are expected to be drilled later this year at a cost of R3 million.
The four organisations said they are all committed to continue assisting communities in need of water.
“The drought is far from over and these boreholes will go a long way towards providing much needed water to the communities," the organisations said in a joint statement.
Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane said the department will continue to do its part as well as support humanitarian initiatives that espouse and reflect the values that Madiba stood for.
“This is a long term and sustainable initiative to show what can be achieved when the private and public sectors work together to make a difference in the lives of others.”
Yusuf Abramjee, of Operation Hydrate, said Operation Hydrate, Awqaf SA and its partners are continuing to keep the spirit of Ubuntu alive.
“This borehole initiative again shows the true spirit of our citizens who donate generously and help those in need. It is heartening to see how many organisations and individuals continue to make a difference and keep Madiba's legacy alive. We have to make every day a Mandela Day," said Abramjee. – SAnews.gov.za
