SAWS needs R30 million to improve infrastructure
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has approached Treasury with a request for R30 million in additional funding in order to improve its infrastructure.
SAWS CEO Jerry Lengoasa briefed the media on Thursday in the wake of the severe thunderstorms and tornadoes that hit many parts of the country.
The storms resulted in several deaths and caused widespread destruction of property in Gauteng and KZN.
Lengoasa said critical equipment failed in the run-up to the severe weather patterns.
"There are plans in place to address the radar infrastructure that is >failing us. There are plans to improve our forecasting thunderstorms, >including our forecasting ability for tornadoes. So we will be working with our partners to include training on tornadoes, but also to access state-of-the-art technologies in the rest of the world," said Lengoasa.
The radar equipment which failed is more than a decade old.
Lengoasa said the events of the week is a reminder of the importance of early warning systems.
"This is in order to enable our communities to be better prepared. The initiatives require R30 million speedily, if we are to accelerate them before the end of the summer. Others might not require monetary value but require active partnerships. And you will find us ready to work with those that are willing to enable us to ensure this life-critical information reaches everyone it needs to."
Listen: