Tackling water challenges

CRISES: WORKING TOGETHER TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE IS KEY

- PAUL MASHATILE

The recent two-day water and sanitation indaba at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand was a success. But its triumph must be measured by our ability to translate the resolutions and plans into action, which will guarantee our country a reliable water supply and a water-secure future.

The indaba, whose focus is water security and water provision, was attended by key representatives, drawn from national government and national entities, provincial government, local government, South African Local Government Association (Salga), academia and research bodies, the private sector, as well as water and sanitation experts.

From the onset, the indaba received a keynote address from President Cyril Ramaphosa, who recognised that water and sanitation sector is a key cog in economic growth and called for practical solutions to avert a water crisis.

I had an opportunity to deliver a closing address in my capacity as chair of the water task team, established to mitigate water crises in municipalities and intervene to resolve water challenges in the country.

The summit also received inputs by Salga deputy president Xola Pakadi, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina and a progress report by water and sanitation director-general Sean Phillips.