Durban-based conference to highlight challenges within water sector
Organisers of an upcoming conference on the effective management of water resources hope the current drought will help emphasise its message.
About 2000 delegates from across the world are expected to head to the Durban ICC for the event, themed 'Water, the Ultimate Constraint'.
The conference takes place from the May 15 to May and will be organised by the Water Institute of SA, Umgeni Water and the Department of Water and Sanitation.
The institute's Renelle Pillay says it will be a session where concerns regarding the resource are discussed.
"This conference is basically aimed at sharing expertise, knowledge and academic research and the findings of academic research so that we can solve common problems within the water sector such as water scarcity, drought, issues surrounding water quality management and infrastructure in the sector," she said.
Meanwhile, the institute's Vishnu Mabeer says they're researching how fracking will affect the province. He says not enough information on fracking is available to the public.
"A lot of people who are worried about the environment tend to forget about the social issues. In this country, we have to balance the economic, the social and the environment because to look out for the environment - you have to grow the country to be in a state that it can afford to look after the environment.
"An independent view not driven by government, not driven by business but a view from a scientist, economist and social perspective," he said.
(File photo)