During this period of lock-down, we all feel the impact of COVID-19 in our lives, business and communities. The new era that we are entering will have unique challenges, but I also believe, new opportunities. 

The Regulations in the published Government Gazette declared water, sanitation and animal care as essential services. Many hydrogeological, drilling, pump testing and equipment companies already registered their businesses as essential services. I encourage those who have not registered yet to please do so. This entail services to provide water to the Local Municipalities and farming communities.

The Ground Water Division is in contact Department of Water and Sanitation about long term groundwater solutions for communities that need water for drinking and hygiene purposes.  The Department assured me that the paperwork to appoint geohydrological professional services providers are ready if needs be. There is to my knowledge two projects already underway from private funders. 

With the unknown future, many events are hanging in the balance. Many of the universities are now preparing to start classes online. The Field School 2020 are almost entirely organized for this year, but the final decision on the go-ahead will only be taken in a few weeks. The decision will be made with the universities and their revised academic programs. 

The 2023 IAH Bid is progressing very well. The Bid team is work hard during the lockdown period to get the proposal done with a program and finances. 

And then lastly I would like to encourage everybody to take the challenge from Matthys Dippenaar on our Facebook page. Record a 2min video on groundwater in promoting groundwater from your specific expertise. 

Be safe

Fanus