The Department of Water Affairs will be celebrating National Water Week 2011 under the theme: Water is life: working together we can save more water from 21 to 27 March. National Water Week is celebrated annually and this year the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs Ms Edna Molewa is calling on all South Africans to play a role in protecting and conserving water, a precious and scarce resource.
Water Week 2011, takes place at a time when the country is dealing with the contrasting effects of drought in parts of the country and the devastating aftermath of flooding which has claimed lives and destroyed properties. In addition, it comes as the water sector faces a myriad of challenges including pollution of our water courses, provision of basic water supply to communities and ensuring security of supply into the future.
Despite the many challenges facing the water sector, the department is working hard to ensure an adequate and good quality supply of water to all South Africans.
One of the highlights of this year’s Water Week is that it coincides with the historic hosting of World Water Day on 22 March, by the African Ministers' Council on Water, UN-HABITAT and UN-Water in our country for the first time.
Stakeholders including international, regional and local water experts, politicians and members of civil society organisations are expected to participate in discussions at this gathering.
Minister Molewa, will deliver the key note address at the World Water Day gathering, to be held in Cape Town. In addition, the event aims to focus international attention on the impact of rapid urban population growth, industrialisation and uncertainties caused by climate change, conflicts and natural disasters on urban water systems.
Water Week is an important awareness campaign of the department and its aim is to raise awareness around the need to protect and conserve the country’s water resources. Events will take place throughout the country from 20 to 27 March.
Once finalised a detailed program for the week will be placed on the department’s website at: http://www.dwa.gov.za
Water is Life: Working together we can save more water
For more information contact:
Linda Page
Tel: 012 336 8250
Cell: 083 460 4482
Themba Khumalo
Tel: 012 336 8270
Cell: 082 802 3432
Source: Department of Water Affairs
