On Tuesday this week I was priviledged to attend the KZN Water Summit as an observer.
The Summit was convened by the Dept of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, in co-ordination with the Dept of Water Affairs and Forestry. The objective was to bring together all stakeholders within the water sector to discuss targets and the way forward to achieve 100% water and sanitation provision within the next few years.
The Summit was attended by approximately 700 delegates including top government officials, mayors, media and members of civil society as well as engineering practitioners and service providers. The event ran over two days and was held at the Coastlands Convention Centre in Durban. The first day's programme consisted of numerous addresses from political figures and high level officials, followed by breakaway "Commissions" where delegates discussed various topics. The second day of the Summit was used for each Commission to report back to the general assembly.
The proceedings were kicked off with a song and an empassioned prayer in Zulu. Only undrestanding a few phrases and words in Zulu, I found this interesting to observe although I did not understand much that was said. The speaker had a resonant and very expressive voice.
Working in the water industry where the relevant issues are continualy discussed, I did not really learn anything new during the Summit, but it was definitely an experience getting to watch and listen to the politicians and high level officials' speeches. Getting to see and form impressions of people one has only ever seen on the news or in newspapers was really interesting. The speakers included Minister Sonjica (DWAF), Minister Mabuyakhulu (DLGTA), Premier Sbu Ndebele (KZN), Mayor Obed Mbala (EThekwini Municipality), the Municipal Manager of Ugu District Municipality and the CEO of Umgeni Water, as well as the Director General and two Chief Directors of DWAF. There were also speakers from the Rand Merchant Bank and the KZN Dept of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs.
Following the typhoid outbreak Delmas due to polluted groundwater, safe and sustainable water and sanitation provision is in the forefront of people's minds, and SA faces a huge challenge to meet goals to achieve 100% water provision by 2008 and 100% sanitation by 2010. A major challenge is the lack of technical skills in the public service. I wish I knew how they could solve this problem, but unless they make huge salary increases and incentives for working in the public service, it is doubtful that engineers and technical people will take up these posts!
The proceedings were kicked off with a song and an empassioned prayer in Zulu. Only undrestanding a few phrases and words in Zulu, I found this interesting to observe although I did not understand much that was said. The speaker had a resonant and very expressive voice.
Working in the water industry where the relevant issues are continualy discussed, I did not really learn anything new during the Summit, but it was definitely an experience getting to watch and listen to the politicians and high level officials' speeches. Getting to see and form impressions of people one has only ever seen on the news or in newspapers was really interesting. The speakers included Minister Sonjica (DWAF), Minister Mabuyakhulu (DLGTA), Premier Sbu Ndebele (KZN), Mayor Obed Mbala (EThekwini Municipality), the Municipal Manager of Ugu District Municipality and the CEO of Umgeni Water, as well as the Director General and two Chief Directors of DWAF. There were also speakers from the Rand Merchant Bank and the KZN Dept of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs.
Following the typhoid outbreak Delmas due to polluted groundwater, safe and sustainable water and sanitation provision is in the forefront of people's minds, and SA faces a huge challenge to meet goals to achieve 100% water provision by 2008 and 100% sanitation by 2010. A major challenge is the lack of technical skills in the public service. I wish I knew how they could solve this problem, but unless they make huge salary increases and incentives for working in the public service, it is doubtful that engineers and technical people will take up these posts!
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