The City of Cape Town will partner with the Centre of Expertise (COE) as a means to stay up to date with innovations in water and sanitation best practice.

This non-profit company (NPC) focuses on identifying innovative technology and expertise from industry experts with a view to showcasing and disseminating this knowledge in southern Africa.

“The aim of this partnership is to facilitate the transfer of technology and skills from industry leaders to municipalities to enhance their performance and create a platform from which to discuss the best application of these skills, practices and technologies,” says Ernest Sonnenberg, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Utility Services.

“The development of the COE is co-funded by the Dutch Government, with whom the City has had close ties for many years.

The Dutch are world leaders in areas of water technology, water treatment, and the management of water and sanitation infrastructure.”

In terms of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations, the COE will investigate new technology and best practice, while the City will explore whether these methods could be effectively applied in Cape Town.

The COE will also facilitate training of the City’s staff so that they can effectively implement new strategies.

“In this day and age it is becoming more and more important to stay up to date with emerging technology and new discussions surrounding water and sanitation.

“The prevalent forces of climate change and urban migration mean that the context in which these technologies are applied is not static.

“This partnership makes way for a dynamic dialogue that will allow Cape Town to refine its Water and Sanitation budget allocation to maximum effect for its own unique requirements,” concludes Sonnenberg.