Dear Minister,
On the one hand I hear a rumour that Cuban engineers are to be brought back to the DWS, and on the other I hear that the Department is unwilling to extend the retirement date of existing engineering staff.

I would like to suggest that the department invite all technical staff under age 70 to return to service for two years or until age 70 if they are healthy.

The Cuban engineers were of little help to the Department mostly because of the language barrier but also because they did not know our catchments or our legislation or our culture. Retired engineers understand all these things and have a lifetime of experience of our conditions and climate.

Lastly, Cuban Engineers cost DWS a lot of money, as they were given accommodation and a car for private (and official) use as well as airfare every 12 months. This all on top of a Chief Engineer salary.

Thank you for your consideration.

Norman Ward (66)
Retired engineer from KZN office.