#SONA2016: Government helping with drought relief - President Zuma

Parliament - Government was providing relief for drought stricken areas, President Jacob Zuma said during his State of the Nation Address on Thursday.

"As we are aware, five provinces have been seriously affected by the drought... government provides relief to affected communities," he said.

"Let me take the opportunity to commend the civil society initiative Operation Hydrate and others for the provision of water relief to many communities in distress."

While delivering his address, Democratic Alliance MPs heckled Zuma.

When thanking people for their help during the drought, an MP shouted, "Where were you? Where was your government?".

Speaking in isiZulu, Zuma said this was a difficult time for farmers as their animals were dying due to the drought.

Trucks of water were trying to get to the affected areas.

Zuma said water infrastructure remained critical so that government could expand access to people.

He spoke about some initiatives which included the raising of the Clanwilliam Dam wall in the Western Cape in order to supply additional water.

Zuma said to curb water wastage, the Department of Water and Sanitation had also begun its programme of training 15 000 young people as artisans.

source: News24