Moz floods: SA to the rescue
2007-01-29 00:09
Maputo - A donation by South Africa of military surplus equipment to Mozambique came at the right time for the flood-ravaged country.
Two boats will be used to save some of the estimated 43 000 people left stranded by heavy rains and floods in western Mozambique.
The Shire River - the main tributary of the Zambezi - flooded its banks, submerging several islands in the river.
On Saturday the South African Navy supply ship, SAS Drakensberg, dropped 150 tons of military surplus equipment in Maputo, including two work boats which could be used on the rivers.
Also included in the equipment donated by South Africa were medical and firefighting equipment, uniforms and even desks and cabinets.
A ferry boat to be used to transport Mozambican navy marines between bases was also on the list.
There are often floods in Mozambique.
In 2000 and 2001, floods killed hundreds of people and left thousands homeless.
Piracy
However, South Africa's donation was considered before this year's flood and was done with another threat faced by both countries - piracy on the sea.
"If media reports are to be believed, we are informed that this cancer might spread towards our own water.
"We also face the danger of the plunder of our marine resources," said SA deputy defence minister Mluleki George, who donated the equipment on South Africa's behalf.
He said there were clear indications of piracy along the West African Coast and also on the Horn of Africa.
"It is therefore clear that working together and sharing resources will go along in securing our economic zone from piracy and protecting our marine resources," he said.
Coastal patrol
South Africa donated patrol boats to Mozambique two years ago which were armed and used for coastal patrols.
"One of the boats were used up north where it was known there was a problem with illegal fishing. Since it has been deployed there, the problem has subsided substantially," Louw said.
George also indicated that South Africa might make use of its new military hardware if piracy becomes a bigger problem.
"Recently South Africa acquired frigates and submarines as part of its strategic defence package.
"These were not acquired for the benefit of our country alone, but also of the region and continent," he said.
- SAPA