IMATU SUPPORTS DROUGHT RELIEF EFFORTS IN BEAUFORT WEST

The Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (IMATU) will today be handing over a donation to the value of R 70 000, towards drought relief efforts in Beaufort West and surrounding areas in the Western Cape.

Last month the dam providing water to the Beaufort West Municipality dried up and a crisis intervention plan had to be established. As a union representing local government employees throughout South Africa, each Regional Office supports its own local charity project. The scale and impact of water shortages in Beaufort West and surrounding areas necessitated a coordinated effort by the organisation as a whole.

“We feel very strongly about making a positive difference in the lives of others and when our shop stewards brought this urgent need to our attention, IMATU knew that it needed to get involved. As Gift of the Givers had already started intervention efforts, we chose to use this organization as the vehicle for our donation to the Beaufort West Municipality and surrounding areas. IMATU’s contribution will be used towards the sinking of boreholes and the provision of bottled water;” explained IMATU Western Cape Regional Chairperson, Francios Willemse.

A specialist hydrologist has assessed the area to establish the possibility of accessing underground aquifers, drill boreholes and investigate the possibility of pumping water into the dam. Drilling in Beaufort West started on 1 November 2017 and the project has seen a yield of 220 000 litres per day.

The procedure of assessment and drilling in various areas will continue in a bid to provide sustainable water sources to the affected communities. The project is expected to cost in excess of R6 million and IMATU is pleased to be able to contribute towards these efforts.

IMATU is a proud supporter this project and believes that the efforts being made will yield sustainable long term solutions to citizens and our members in the draught affected areas,” concluded Willemse.