National Water Week 2014
The Chief Director of Department of Water Affairs (DWA) in the Western Cape region Mr Rashid Khan is calling on all citizens of the province to join efforts to conserve and protect the country’s water resources as the nation celebrates National Water Week from 17 to 23 March 2014. South Africa is a 30th driest country in the world and the public is urged to make water conservation a part of their daily lives.
This year a series of events has been planned for the entire month of March across the Western Cape region to further emphasise the significance of Water in our society. One such event that the department has introduced is the car wash campaign where car wash owners are encouraged to use a bucket when washing cars instead of a hose pipe. The City of Cape Town has started with the implementation of the campaign and it will be stretched out to other municipalities.
To further enhance water security and water quality in the Over strand municipality , during 2011/12 and 2012/13 financial year, DWA through its Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) spent over R20, 579 663 for the extension of Hermanus Bulk Water Supply Project and a further R30, 806 037 for the upgrade of Hermanus Waste Water treatment works.
About 16 other big projects are in progress to upgrade and build infrastructure to ensure water supply in the Western Cape Region.
Celebrated under the theme: 20 years of Water delivery for social and economic development 2014 National Water Week is aimed at:
- raising awareness around the need to protect and conserve the country’s water resources.
- highlighting the contribution that water makes to social and economic development.
- highlighting the role water plays in sustaining all forms of life in South Africa and the linkages between water services, water resource management, water quality management and water conservation and demand management.
As we celebrate National Water Week the department is mindful of the enormous challenges facing the water sector and in particular the challenge of securing water for growth and development and for future generations. A total of 27 water conservation and water demand management will be spread throughout the Western Cape region. (A full calendar of events is attached).
The awareness campaign comes at a time when parts of the province are reeling from the effects of water supply shortages. However, the department, in collaboration with institutions of higher learning, other government sector and non-governmental stakeholders, is embarking on an ongoing campaign to educate the public about water conservation and demand management.
“Water is Life: Respect it, Conserve it, Enjoy it”.
Enquiries:
Malusi Rayi
Cell: 083 320 1249 or 073 226 4558
Tel: 021 941 6110
