WISA • CONFERENCE
WE NEED Water, as we know it, is fundamental to almost every sector and social well-being; Water is life! Yet, with the 2030 target just around the corner, it seems as though we are nowhere near to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By Dr Preyan Arumugam, chair: Marketing and Communications, WISA 2024 Conference
T Dr Preyan Arumugam, chair: Marketing and Communications, WISA 2024 Conference
10
NOV E MB E R /DEC EM BER 2023
he recent outbreak of cholera in Hammanskraal, which lead to just under 50 deaths, was a result of contaminated water supplies, while the 2022 flooding in eThekwini that left many citizens displaced and more than 450 lives lost indicates a well-known issue – bulk water and sanitation infrastructure is failing. The City
of Cape Town survived the ‘Day Zero’ threat but where are we going wrong? The WISA 2024 Conference aims to direct our focus toward finding solutions to our existing challenges and identifying the gaps in a more collaborative approach, with all sectors – including academics, professionals and industry leaders in water, sanitation, health, hygiene, mining, agriculture and manufacturing – as well as the public sector – through policymakers, lawmakers and servicing authorities. The conference, which will take place in the City of Durban on 27-29 May 2024, will create a platform where there is inclusivity, opportunities for partnerships, as well as improved governance within the sector to foster next-generation solutions. To achieve the SDGs, particularly SDG 6 – access to clean water and sanitation – actions and commitment need to be ramped up within the next seven years. In keeping with the nautical theme of the WISA’s previous two conferences – ‘All Hands on Deck’ and ‘Navigating the Course’ in 2020 and 2022, respectively – WISA has chosen ‘Turning the Tide’ for its upcoming conference in 2024. Here are the following subthemes:
