Innovators from historically disadvantaged backgrounds are set to share their experiences and showcase their work in the water and sanitation sector this Saturday at the Water and Sanitation Innovation and Technology Solutions Exhibition.

The event, which is taking place at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, will see minister of Water and Sanitation Gugile Nkwinti lead a discussion on water solutions at a Ministerial Interactive Session.

The exhibition and conference, themed “Innovations today for tomorrow’s water and sanitation solutions,” will see more than 50 emerging and established innovators from across the country showcasing and engaging with sector leaders about innovative solutions to challenges currently faced by the water and sanitation sector.

“Minister Nkwinti and his Deputy Pamela Tshwete will actively engage innovators on matters including water purification and waste water package plants, dual strategy; desalinated, ground and surface water, the acceleration of eradication of buckets and contribution to Green and Blue Drop reports, amongst others,” the department said.

“Industry stakeholders from national, provincial and local government, as well as water entities will be in attendance in an effort to galvanize them to use and invest in these technologies to meet the current demands faced by the sector at large,” it added.

The event is perfectly timed as the country is in desperate need of innovative solutions to tackle the water crisis facing various provinces. South Africa is regarded a water-scarce country and has over recent years experienced water shortages and drought conditions around the country.