Thank you very much for your wonderful water reports!! Here are our comments.
* Operation Noah (by Katherine and Nicola)
We also thought about dams built in Japan. Dams are important because they impound and provide water for drinking, irrigation, electricity, industrial use, and so on. They control floods and protect farmland as well.
However, some problems have been pointed out recently. And so several plans to build a dam are postponed by villagers' objection.
1) There have frequently happened that the whole village was sunk and
that the whole villagers were forced to leave their homes.
2) Nature is destroyed:
* The mountains, trees, and animals are lost.
* The river water quality becomes bad.
* The number of aquatic life decreases.
3) It takes too much time and money to build a dam.
4) There is considerable danger in building a dam.
We are surprised to learn that there have been built about 3,000 dams including weirs in Japan. Now it is time for us Japanese to think, "Is this dam really necessary?" Most of us have noticed that a deciduous forest is a "green dam".
How many dams do you have in South Africa? (Sota, Akiko, Asuka, Maiko, Natsuki, Chie)
* Otjiekoto Lake and Pump (by Nicole, Bianca, and Kimryn)
How large is the pump? Is it about 3 meters high? (Asuka)
Is it difficult to get enough fresh water in South Africa? (Mrs TORIGOE)
* Water Wise Project & Our Water Pledge (by Cayleigh & Catherine, Catherine & Thaakirah)
I think it necessary to water the gardens every day because plants also need water to survive. Here are a couple of ways how to save water.
1) When we brush our teeth, we prepare necessary water in a glass beforehands.
2) We keep the left water in the bathtub instead of throwing away, and use it for washing clothes. (Asuka)
* A Polluted Lake Near To Cape Town (by Justine and Megan)
I knew the fact that 1% is left for us and animals. I didn't know that some people could be blinded by water. How is Jerry cleaning up the lagoon? Some adults say, "Keep water clean, preserve nature .....". However, at the same time, others unconcernedly discharge polluted water into rivers, lakes, and the seas. As long as there exists such a fact, water will never be cleaned. I am sorry to say that there are very few adults in the world who have a strong will and enthusiasm to keep water clean. More talents, money, and time should be spent on making efforts to keep water clean and safe or preserving nature than wars!! (Sota)
* The Story of the Liesbeek (by Kate and Raina)
The Friends of the Liesbeek is a wonderful organisation, isn't it? How about your joining in the organisation? (Natsuki)
People who gave money also want to help cleaning the river. You can be a cooperator too. (Maiko)
* Pollution Problems (by Lerisha and Jayshall)
Some fish will not be able to survive only when water becomes a little dirty. I cannot imagine 3.5 million tons of oil! If such amount of oil is released into the sea, it is as clear as daylight that the sea is polluted. We should save water and not pollute water not only for fish but also for us. (Chie)
In Japan as well, lots of people living near certain rivers have been dead and suffering from deseases caused by drinking polluted water or eating fish polluted with industrial wastes containing mercury or cadomium since 1950's or 1960's. (Mrs TORIGOE)
* Why do people waste water? (by Anna and Olivia)
Your cartoon is well done! I also think we should not waste water. If the man stops wasting water from the next time, the story will have a happy ending, won't it? (Maiko)
* Water is precious (by Jessica and Tara)
I also know it very well that water is precious. We have much rain in Japan --- more than 1500 mm a year. I guessed South Africa is a dry country, and I understand it is true to read your story. I think trees are very important for us as the woods keep and control water. I am not sure about trees in Africa, but anyway, let's save and take care of our precious water!! (Chie)
What alien trees do you have in South Africa? (Mrs TORIGOE)
Arigato,
LABO Torigoe Party Senior Group
Update: 2002/10/29 15:16:25
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