It was said in WASA

You said it in WASA

The opinions and statements shared by thought leaders in the water industry to Water&Sanitation Africa.

“Once complete, the Coegakop WTW will be the largest biofiltration plant of its kind in South Africa, and possibly the most ambitious biological manganese removal plant in the world (treating high concentrations up to 2.5 mg/ℓ).”

Dr Matthew Hills, civil engineer: Water & Sanitation Subdirectorate, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality

PAGE 16

“Continuing to use the sewer system is the same as using MS-DOS, but not by choice. We need to drastically shift our thinking and paradigm if we hope to solve the sanitation problem in this lifetime, let alone by 2030. Over the past decade, the only visible solution implemented at scale is the ventilated pit latrine. There is an underlying equity issue at play – the idea that poor people don’t deserve something better because they should be grateful for anything.” Jennifer Williams, executive director, Faecal Sludge Management Alliance 24 PAGE

“Market acceptance of nonsewered sanitation systems is driven by SANS 30500 certified products, and SANS 30500 certification will likely only happen once there is a large volume of technologies that are certification ready.”

Dr Preyan Arumugam-Nanoolal, research scientist: Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Research & Development Centre,

University of KwaZulu-Natal 27 PAGE “Access to safe sanitation is a growing challenge in informal settlements, where its occupants use ablution blocks, chemical toilets, ventilated improved pit latrines or unimproved pit latrines. With more than 2 700 informal settlements in South Africa and approximately 13% of its population living there, corporates can allocate their CSI towards providing better sanitation solutions (and thereby providing dignity) to needy communities.”

Philip Majeke, commercialisation manager, SASTEP

PAGE 30

“I believe that the majority of toilets on the market are designed for perfect conditions and are not suited to

South African conditions. Toilets are chosen based on their appearance, with little regard to their efficiency and maintenance requirements. Toilets need to be designed as simply as possible. The most basic flushing mechanism often uses the least water and is cheaper to maintain.” Gerrie Brink, founder, AQUAffection PAGE 32

“Currently, there is a lack of regulatory framework that provides guidance on how to assess and treat sludges, particularly in the case of faecal sludge from on-site sanitation facilities. There are no regulations that provide parameters about how to deal with the different types of product derived from sludge. There is a need to stimulate business interest in sewage and faecal sludge. We must unlock and maximise the potential of sludge as an alternative resource for use.”

Santiago Septien, research engineer: Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Research & Development Centre, University of

KwaZulu-Natal PAGE 34

“There is a promising future for biogas technology. Suppliers of the engines, boilers and CHPs are progressively manufacturing more efficient, cost-effective equipment and, as a result, the technology is becoming more accessible and the entire biogas process is constantly improving. There are huge incentives for biogas in the European market, where CO is removed from biogas; the methane can even be 2 pumped directly into the national gas grid for compensation. However, load-shedding, rising energy costs, limited landfill space and pressure to reduce carbon emissions are still clear drivers for the South African market.” Rosan van Wyngaard, tender manager, Veolia PAGE Services Southern Africa 38

“South Africa is not alone in experiencing water challenges: from the record-breaking drought that caused some rivers in China to dry up, affecting hydropower and shipping, to the dire conditions in the USA’s Colorado River Basin dropping to record low levels, and the severe flooding in Pakistan affecting 33 million people. These events – coupled with climate change – put a spotlight on the value of water for nature and climate change.” Oudi Kgomongwe, member, Young Scientific PAGE Programme Committee, World Water Week 2022 44

“While fixing leaks and using alternative water sources (like boreholes and desalination plants) to augment Nelson Mandela Bay’s existing supply will contribute towards improving its water security, reducing water consumption is key. We are faced with a complexity of reducing water consumption in a city with a growing population; however, our calculations show that reducing consumption to 230 Mℓ/day would alleviate significant pressure on our water supply system.” Lyle Francis, deputy director: Water Demand Management, PAGE Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality 45

“There is still a lack of urgency around addressing water issues. There are clear signs that investors and markets agree on. Perhaps the most telling example is the performance of the S&P Global Water Index. This index tracks water-sector companies (water utilities, infrastructure, equipment and materials) from around the world. Since 2001, it has outperformed the S&P Global Broad Market Index by more than three percentage points annually; this year, that figure is already at 5%.” Chetan Mistry, strategy and marketing manager, Xylem Africa 48 PAGE

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