Deputy Minister Water and Sanitation Pamela Tshwete has launched the South African regional chapter of the International Water Security Network.

This International Water Security Network project brings together the University of the West of England, Monash South Africa and the University of Arizona to investigate issues around water security.

Under the themes of ‘risks and vulnerabilities’ and ‘innovation and adaptive capacity’, the project will investigate urban water security, trans-boundary water security, and improving water quality security.

“We take note of the fact that South Africa has been selected to be amongst the first countries targeted for this programme. Our participation in this programme will also improve participation, collaboration and cooperation in other international platforms where we are involved in relation to water security, sourcing, control and provisioning to all our communities,” said Tshwete.

 

Developing skills

According to Tshwete, the programme will also assist in skills development through ushering future leaders and individuals qualified in teaching and research on water management services. “Such a dual programme will provide the country with the requisite capabilities to manage the water resource and systems.”

 

Opportune timing

Tshwete believes the regional launch has come at an opportune time which she describes as “a time when in our country the water technology that has been in use in some areas for more than hundred years is beginning to fail us.”

The launch coincides with the South African Government’s efforts to intensify the rollout of water infrastructure and a period when new technology is required to rehabilitate and replace the old water infrastructure and speed up the rollout process.

 

Read the full story.