The Cape of Good Hope SPCA in Grassy Park will not have any water woes relating to the province’s drought.
Thanks to generous donations, last week a borehole was drilled at their premises in First Avenue.
A rainwater storage and filtration system was also installed after a plea for help from staff at the facility.
The SPCA cares for about 700 domestic, farm and wild animals at any given time and use about 16.8kl of water a month.
Most of the water is used in the hospital’s intensive care unit where about 250 animals are treated a day.
They also need water for drinking and cleaning.
Earlier this year, staff had a drought relief campaign to highlight the impact Day Zero, when the water supply is turned off by the council, would have on the facility.
Since the SPCA’s pleas for help, the public as well as corporate and trust benefactors have facilitated the drilling of the borehole and installation of the purification system.
They have also donated six rainwater harvesting tanks, seven JoJo tanks, jerry cans and two flowbins, pumps and hoses.
Belinda Abraham, the SPCA’s communications manager thanked everyone for their contribution to making the facility self-sustainable in terms of water.
She said the facility is now fully equipped to assist animals in crisis throughout the 6 840 square mile area of operation.
“The drilling of a new borehole means that the CoGH SPCA will have access to its own water reserve.
“This sustainable water source means that our organisation will never have to rely on a municipal water service again should Day Zero happen. Our focus can now be strictly dedicated towards the animals that so desperately need our services,” said Ms Abraham.
She said their inspectors will be able to carry water with them at all times and bulk water will need to be transported to remote areas to service water stations for wild animals and free roaming livestock and horses suffering from dehydration.
Ms Abraham added that other animal welfare organisations will also be able to benefit as they’ll have access to the borehole water when needed.
“Thank you to each and every individual and business that has reached out, and continues to provide support to the animals in our care.
“Your kindness will provide life-giving water for thousands of animals for a very long time,” said Ms Abraham.
