Inaugural Municipal Water Services Scientific Forum: 19 – 20 September, Cape Town

Posted: 18 September 2019

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) in collaboration with the City of Cape Town will launch the inaugural National Municipal Water Services Scientific Forum. The primary purpose of the forum is provide strategic direction and leadership to the country’s municipal scientific community in order to develop intuitive scientific leaders.

Deputy Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Honourable David Mahlobo will deliver a key note address, with the Alderman Xanthea Limberg Member of Mayoral Committee delivering opening remarks. A combination of municipal, academia and research institutions representatives in the scientific services field will deliver a number of presentations, making reflections on the status quo of water services, both challenges and scientific opportunities.

The Forum will be attended primarily by municipal scientists, water services officials, Sector Departments and Government Leaders.

The Forum will serve as a catalytic platform for knowledge sharing of scientific challenges, cutting edge research and development and best practices in the management of water and effluent quality amongst others.

To this end the Forum’s aspiration amongst others is to contribute towards the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals that everyone has safe water to drink by 2030. Secondly improving water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.

Over the years, water and sanitation scientists have been exploring means and ways of ensuring our water and effluent quality does not pose any health risks to society through a number of ways such as technological innovation, including research and new testing methodologies. This has contributed significantly to South Africa’s water quality recognition and status in the World.

Among the topics in the agenda for the Forum includes; (programme attached for ease of reference)

1. Bridging the gap between Academia and Local Municipalities – from Research to Implementation
2. Water Quality Management in Drought Scenario – lessons from the Cape Town
3. Creating Professional Natural Scientists
4. International experiences - leadership in scientific services
5. Research - emerging findings on the importance of Science, Water and Sanitation nexus.

Details of the event are as follows:
Date: 19 – 20 September 2019
Time: 09:30
Venue: Scientific Services Auditorium, Off Jan Smuts Drive, Athlone, Cape Town