INDUSTRY VOICES
You said it in WASA The opinions and statements shared by thought leaders in the water industry to Water&Sanitation Africa.
“Close to 11 million households have access to a flushing toilet – using mostly using 9 to 12 litres per flush. If we can reduce the amount of flush water used by half or 50%, we could potentially save up to 400 Mℓ of water per day. It is imperative that we all learn how much water we are using, especially regarding sanitation. If we can manage the amount of fresh water that goes down the drain, we have a better chance of securing water for other uses.” Akin Akinsete, programme manager, WRC PAGE
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09 “The social model of disability states that people are disabled by barriers in society, not by their impairment or difference. Removing these barriers creates equality and offers disabled people more independence, choice and control.” Mark Bannister, chief engineer: Water Services Planning and Information, Department of Water and Sanitation
“ISO 30500 will permit the creation of a new market with a lot of innovative nonsewered sanitation systems and will drastically reduce the diseases linked to a lack of sanitation. ISO 30500 is the first step for the development of a local circular economy with the transformation of human wastes into valuable resources.” Jay Bhagwan, executive manager: Water Use and Waste Management, Water Research Commission
“Large parts of the South African population have inadequate access to sanitation facilities and services. In order to address this, the current sanitation environment must be transformed towards a smart sanitation technology solutions environment that will see sanitation going off the grid and adopting a circular economy approach. NEWgenerator is an example of this type of technology.” Wayne Taljaard, managing director, WEC Projects PAGE
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“Sanitation needs coordinated and facilitated discussions with the community before any technology is even trialled, let alone adopted. It requires a type of social trust (which is sadly lacking in many communities and municipalities). With sanitation, technical people need to consider social behaviour, customs, community norms, as well as local risks – and the appropriate technology needs to be strongly motivated. Engaging with communities, stakeholders and municipalities is crucial to success.” Dan Naidoo, chairman, WISA PAGE
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“With significant political changes (a new minister, impending new director general and new local government) as well as a revitalised outlook from business and society due to Covid-19, an oppor tunity for a renewed approach to the water crisis – a water renaissance – has presented itself.” Lester Goldman, CEO, WISA
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