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Hansa Powerade Dusi - Media Release
Date : Tuesday, 29 January 2008
Subject : Media Statement by Chairman of the organisers
Media Statement by Cameron Mackenzie – chairman of the organisers
There has been widespread media attention on the state of health risks associated with paddling the Hansa Powerade Dusi.
The Hansa Powerade Dusi organising committee is committed to ensuring that the race continues to be the leading canoe marathon in the world.
The 2008 event had an international record of participants and all indications are that the event will attract more and more paddlers from other countries.
The single biggest challenge facing the future of the race is the poor water quality. Over 50% of paddlers got sick from the water and this is totally unacceptable. The paddler is our top priority and we will leave no stone unturned to rectify the state of the water.
To this end we have appointed Dave Still, chairman of the Dusi Umgeni Conservancy Trust, as the only consultant on water quality. We will publish E Coli counts as and when we get them on the official race website www.dusi.co.za as we feel that paddlers can then make up their own minds as to whether they should paddle the race or not.
We do not support the general ranks or categories as released by the panel of experts we used during the race.
The single biggest problem with water quality is the state of the sewage system in the Pietermaritzburg area. We will make representation to the Msundusi municipality, Department of Water Affairs, Umgeni Water and central government to help us to solve this urgent problem as soon as possible.
The Dusi belongs to each and every South African. It is absolutely unique. My team and I have the responsibility to ensure that we protect the event and grow it around the world.
If the water situation in Pietermaritzburg does not change we will move the start to a place that is safer wherever that may be. In the unlikely event of us not being able to find an alternative start that is suitable we will not hesitate to cancel the event.
Whilst this action might seem drastic, the health and safety of our paddlers is not negotiable.
Ends
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