The vital role of the Chief Executive Officer of the Water Research Commission, Dr Jennifer Molwantwa, was highlighted at the recent Provincial Roadshow held in Kimberley. This initiative is part of National Water Week activities and aims to strengthen strategic partnerships with key stakeholders in the province.
The Northern Cape province was identified as a priority for the Water Research Commission due to its persistent drought, with an average annual rainfall of around 200mm. Water is a rare resource and raising residents’ awareness of responsible consumption is essential to improve the region’s water situation.
The Provincial Roadshow is part of the WRC’s results-oriented strategy, with a focus on stakeholder empowerment and influence. This approach requires constant dialogue with stakeholders, actively listening to their feedback and building bridges for collaborative problem-solving sessions.
The objective of this initiative is to equip municipalities in the province with research tools to resolve water-related challenges, such as wastewater treatment problems, non-compliance with water quality standards drinking water and groundwater management. The WRC offers innovative solutions, such as water safety plans and wastewater risk mitigation plans, to strengthen the capacity of local authorities.
Beyond these challenges, issues such as poor revenue collection, lack of adequate water metering, and inadequate management of asset records hamper water management efforts. Groundwater management is also a major issue, with increased risks of shortage during periods of drought.
The provincial Roadshow also highlighted technological innovations in the water and sanitation sector, promoting collaboration between stakeholders in the province. It provided an information exchange platform to present innovative solutions tested in the water and sanitation sector.
In conclusion, this WRC initiative to strengthen ties with stakeholders in the Northern Cape Province is a significant step towards more effective management of water and sanitation challenges. It is essential that local stakeholders mobilize to meet these challenges and implement sustainable solutions for effective management of water resources.