WISA • NEWS
Putting members first Over the past year, the WISA board has been hard at work to translate WISA’s vision of inspiring a passion for water into actions that make a difference for both its members and society at large.
W
ISA and its members are facing numerous challenges as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The poorly performing economy and government policies exacerbated by the resultant lockdown have had a significant impact, despite water being an essential service. The potential also exists for a significant impact on the operational continuity of water services provision should large numbers of essential water services staff require isolation or hospitalisation due to Covid-19. Addressing members at the recent virtual WISA AGM, outgoing chair Achim Wurster noted, “Business continuity in the water sector is important, since water plays a
critical role as an essential service and remains highly relevant under the current constrained economic and health conditions.” The WISA head office was quick to adjust to Covid-19 regulations and operations have continued, with an ongoing focus on providing benefits for members.
Responding to member feedback
Three most recent WISA membership survey revealed three key themes: 1. Improving opportunities for WISA members to gain knowledge and interact with other members. 2. Playing a role in the public discourse on relevant water issues and thereby becoming an active voice for members.
3. Improving the scientific and engineering skills and knowledge of members and the sector. The WISA board annually reviews the results of the WISA membership survey and adjusts the WISA strategy accordingly. According to Wurster, the themes above all fall under one of the existing six WISA strategic goals. In line with these goals, the WISA board and head office completed, among others, the following tasks over the past year: • further embedded good corporate governance within WISA • increased training opportunities and courses on offer through WISA • established the WISA technical committee tasked with being WISA’s technical voice in the public discourse on matters that affect members and society at large • increased WISA’s capacity to respond to media through the appointment of a media and public engagement consultant • resolved a perceived
