AfriForum's Blue and Green Drop Project will proceed despite threats from Government

AfriForum responded today to a warning issued by the Department of Water Affairs (DWA) in a media release, following the launch of its own national Blue and Green Drop Branch Project. "AfriForum will continue with its project; threats from the DWA will not deter us. But these threats do raise serious concerns about the true state of water management in South Africa," said Julius Kleynhans, Head of Environmental Affairs at AfriForum.

"There are water services and quality issues throughout South Africa; we see it on the news every day. The aim of the AfriForum #thinkwater initiative to make people aware of water quality and issues and get ordinary South Africans involved in the management and conservation of this critical resource," Kleynhans said.

Tests are run on potable water and treated sewage to ensure compliance with national standards. "We are disappointed and somewhat baffled by the response from DWA. One would think that the Department would welcome assistance with the management and conservation of water. If we should identify a problem, the DWA will be able to step in and solve it immediately," said Kleynhans.

In order to ensure that the results of the tests are reliable, water samples will be tested by independent SANAS accredited laboratories and results will be made available on 17 March 2014 to the media and the public.

Act as a watchdog and report water-related issues to AfriForum here or alternatively, indicate whether the water in your town is clean. SMS "Yes" or "No" to 32277. R1/SMS.

Statement issued by Julius Kleynhans, Head: Environmental Affairs, AfriForum, February 19 2014

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