Help Cape Town with water

GEORGE NEWS - Efforts to help drought-stricken Cape Town with water supplies have sprung up in George from two different quarters.

The Eden Lions Club launched a fundraising campaign on Saturday 27 January, and at the same time a separate water collection drive was started by Burial Support Services owner, Jacobus Gertse.

Eden Lions President Carl van Blerk said the money they collect will be used to make bulk purchases of bottled water from sources close to Cape Town that will not affect the water table or the municipal supply. "Getting the water from a nearby source is cheaper than transporting it, and bulk buying is more cost efficient. Furthermore, we are sure that all the water will be safe to consume. Distribution will be done by the individual clubs in Cape Town that already have a reliable distribution network in place."

Donations from Lions Clubs from other countries are also being expected, as some have already enquired about ways to help Cape Town. Eden Lions will furthermore be looking to source corporate donations.

"The funds will be used to supply water, but also for water-related equipment where there is a need. This is a long-term sustainable support system that we are setting up," said Van Blerk.

The one source they are negotiating with is Just Water. "They have a borehole, but if municipal supply will start to affect the borehole area, they will bring water in tankers from over the mountain from an area that is not being affected by the drought. They can even draw from the sea, but this will be the last recourse."

The borehole water will be purified by means of reverse osmosis. "This method uses a lot of water but the waste water can be put through the system more than once, and what is left can be used as grey water. We are making sure that it will not affect the current water supply system."

Plea for water donations
Gertse has made a plea to Georgians for water donations that can be taken to various drop-off points. These are:

• Outeniqua Plastics,
• The Engen filling station in Knysna Road,
• 21 Tulip Street in Pacaltsdorp (Carla Ramas, phone number 074 494 9797), and
• The red container in Conville on the corner of Nelson Mandela Boulevard and Streepkoppie Street.

"We cannot ignore the plight of the people of Cape Town. We must do something, so I urge people to please give a donation, even if it is just one bottle of water," said Gertse.

Outeniqua Plastics co-owner Jakes Jacobs has pledged his support. He said three trucks leave their factory for Cape Town every week. "There is always some space left and we would also be willing to make a truck available should it become necessary."

Gertse has arranged with Cape Town Disaster Management for distribution, as well as with a volunteer from North Pine to organise distribution through a community hall in the Kraaifontein area.