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​Achieving Water Security: The need for Changing Perceptions, Obligations and Considerations
27/09/2018
The Municipal Institute of Learning (MILE) in partnership with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) hosted a Built Environment Seminar (BESS) on 27th September 2018 at the Durban Botanical Gardens, to tackle the pertinent issue of Water Security facing the country.

Water security, and the appropriate management of water resources, are of vital importance for South Africa to achieve its social and economic development objectives. 

A team of CSIR researchers conducted a four-year long water security study between 2014 and 2018 in eThekwini Municipality, Durban and Sekhukhune Municipality (Limpopo). The project’s aim was to gauge multiple stakeholders’ perception of what they think water security as a concept means and whether they think that the municipalities had achieved water security for all. 

Guest Speaker, Dr Richard Meissner, Senior Researcher in the Natural Resources and Environment Unit at the CSIR shared findings from the study. In his presentation Dr Meissner mentioned that Water Security is a long term challenge that needs to be addressed.

“What people think about water security matters. Local government faces challenges in this area. Challenges can extend beyond fresh water security to include the marine environment. Water security is about individuals, and their environment—lived experience. It begins and ends with the individual. Capability can enhance practitioners’ understanding of the state of water security at local government level,” said Dr Meissner. 

Speedy Moodliar, EThekwini Water and Sanitation​, Senior Manager, provided an update on the future plans the City has in place in terms of water security highlighting the revised the 5 year strategic plan for non-revenue water. 

Following the presentations was a facilitated panel session which stimulated discussions related to public expectations and water governance​.

The Seminar concluded with a facilitated question and answer​ session with the following emerging thematic areas: Changing Human Behaviour, Integrating Planning, Innovation, Use of Big Data, Water as an Economic Driver among others. 

This was the 22nd BESS hosted by MILE which brings together academics and EThekwini Municipal officials to engage on issues of mutual interest and address challenges facing the Built Environment.


Download presentations below:
 
 

 Water Security BESS

 
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Dr Richard Meissner.pdf
  
27/09/2018 10:00
Speedy Moodliar.pdf
  
27/09/2018 10:00


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