Organization aims to come with solutions
“We need to make sure on how to manage drought in the future,” a speaker said.
MBOMBELA – The first provincial Young Water Professionals Charter, aimed at fulfilling present and future needs of water and waste water was recently launched at the Mbombela Stadium.
The organization also aims to come up with solutions of solving existing problems associated with water in the province and the country at large and it is made up of university graduates, professionals and students who are within the water field.
The organization is supported by the Water Institute for Southern Africa (WISA) and the International Water Association.
“Water is a wicked problem that needs to be managed, we don’t know what water will be like in future and we can’t manage it if we don’t include the people who use it,” explained Dr Tendai Sawunyama who was also elected as the chairperson of the group in the province.
Presentations on issues of water conservation, preserving and treatment were made by different speakers from different stakeholders including the Bushbuckridge Water Board (BWB)and Mbombela local municipality.
“We need to make sure on how to manage drought in the future,” a speaker said.
Mr Mpho Makamu of BWB also explained water challenges to be results of non enforcement of municipal bylaws.
He said illegal connections and mushrooming of villages put a strain in the supply of water.
“Some villages end up not getting water,” he said.
He also mentioned problems of cash flow, maintenance, transfer of assets, and backlog in refurbishments as other challenges faced by his institution.
Ms Duduzile Hlebela the secretary of the national Young Water Professionals urged members of the Mpumalanga Charter to be involved in their communities in providing solutions of preserving water.
“With all your expertise and knowledge what are you doing in your communities, in your personal space? she asked.
Hlebela urged all professionals to help in making a difference in their communities, in their social clubs, churches, schools and stokvels.
“Me and you as experts in our fields of study can adopt schools and share our knowledge. We can teach our communities about the importance of wetlands which are the natural factories for purifying water yet they are currently the least protected,” she said.
Committee members for the Mpumalanga’s Young Water Professionals are: Dr Tendai Sawunyama (chairperson) and his vice is Ms Nthabiseng Ntoampe.
Ms Nciki Matshiyane was elected as the secretary and Mr Sampie Shabangu was chosen as the group’s treasury.
