INDUSTRY VOICES
You said it in WASA The opinions and statements shared by thought leaders in the water industry to Water&Sanitation Africa.
“Managers have pushed the pause button on training and capacity building during Covid-19, assuming we can return to a sense of past normality. But organisations cannot afford to put this on hold, as employees need capacity building now more than ever.” Lester Goldman, CEO of WISA PAGE
08 “We have established our whole economy and livelihood around these majestic dam structures, but we can so easily lose them if we don’t apply proper management procedures to keep them in that state.” Leonard Manus, acting deputy director-general: Regulations, Compliance and Enforcement at the Department of Water and Sanitation PAGE
18
“We have the president who is lobbying for investment on one side and municipalities that cannot deliver a basket of basic services on the other. Delivering water services is a building block for the reconstruction and development of our country. This is not about building new infrastructure only – it is also about fixing some very basic issues that can make an immediate and significant impact.” Dan Naidoo, PAGE chairman of WISA
09
“Technology has evolved, and the prices of smart devices have decreased. Ripping out all the existing hardware is probably not the best approach. Utilities need to start with a clear strategic plan to create a full ecosystem.” Joyce Moganedi, sales manager: Power and Water at ABB Energy Industries Division PAGE
21
“The impacts of climate change are all around us, especially when it comes to water quality and water scarcity. Unless all sectors of society take collective responsibility, we run the major risk of polluting the few resources we have left. That will in turn push up the cost of water purification treatment and compliance, with a resulting financial knock-on effect for industry, mines and their neighbouring municipalities. That’s why it’s critical that mines and industry take full responsibility for their water cycle – from abstraction to treatment and eventual discharge.” Chris Braybrooke, GM: Marketing, Veolia Services Southern Africa PAGE
24
4
JUL /AUG 2021
“Ever ybody is focusing on alternative water sources, building dams, desalination and wastewater treatment. A lot of money is spent on treating water that is then directed into a system that is 80% inefficient. We need to create an efficient system before investing in backup or alternative water sources.” Gerrie Brink, owner and founder of PAGE AQUAffection
16
“Individuals and companies are starting to take ownership of their own water security by using tanks provided by Rainbow Reservoirs. We can no longer rely upon rainfall or local authorities for consistent or reliable water supply. Businesses are realising that they need a bulk water reserve for the continued running of their operations during municipal water outages or restrictions. It is imperative that we all do everything we can to save and conserve water.” Quinton Coetzee, director of marketing and business operations at Rainbow Reservoirs PAGE
22
“Water treatment can be a complex process and requires constant water testing and specialised skills. For example, phosphates found in wastewater can affect some industrial processes, while it will not affect others. A lot of mines can use treated wastewater but need to use better quality water in certain processes. If mines can use wastewater, they often find that they need bigger quantities than those available. Every mine and factory is faced with its own unique challenges with regard to water security and creating zero discharge at a feasible cost.” Leon Naude, section manager: Water Division, Knight Piésold PAGE
26
