New weather network launched

South Africa now boasts a new and improved weather observation network, worth R240-million, that will provide the weather service with more accurate predictions and warnings about severe weather.

The new radar network was launched yesterday at the South African Weather Service (SAWS) head office in Pretoria by Environmental Affairs Minister Buyelwa Sonjica.

The new network consists of 12 Doppler weather radars which will provide the country with crucial information, placing it in a better position to deal with natural disasters such as storms and droughts.

Three of the radars are operational in Irene, Mthatha and Bethlehem, and the network is expected to be phased in over the next three years.
Two of the new devices are high-resolution mobile X-band Doppler radar systems, designed for use at OR Tambo Airport. A similar one is stationed at the SAWS premises in Pretoria.

The unit was dedicated to the international airport to address aviation needs and ensure the safety of both passengers and those providing the service.

Lesotho and Swaziland will also receive complete coverage, as well as countries frequented by tropical cyclones, such as the south-eastern parts of Botswana, southern Mozambique and the south-west Indian Ocean.

The network will be replacing the 30-year-old radar system which the weather service said was no longer meeting standards.

SAWS CEO Dr Linda Makuleni said the old system faced problems such as interference in frequencies and was outdated, reducing service delivery.

The SAWS's infrastructure network includes automatic weather stations, automatic rainfall stations, a sophisticated lightning-detection network, computer infrastructure, satellite receiving equipment and weather radars.

The new weather radar network will play a vital role in forecasting severe weather, minimising loss of life and damage to property.

Sonjica said the huge investment demonstrated SAWS and the government's commitment to use the best technology available in the market to mitigate or avert natural disasters by evacuating threatened communities to safe areas before severe storms, associated with climate change and unpredictable weather patterns, strike.

She explained that the government also planned to enhance research capacity and improve its service delivery in this regard.

"The new SAWS radar system we are launching today is world-class and superior to most of the systems utilised in Western countries.

"The government of South Africa recognises the impact of weather and climate on the well-being of the country.

"This well-being is a human right, and that forms the basis of investing in resources that gear us to respond to the challenges of climate variability and change, thus ensuring the protection of all South Africans," said Sonjica.

By Lesego Masemola

This article was originally published on page 2 of Pretoria News on March 30, 2010