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Johannesburg - The department of water affairs is considering desalinating sea water in efforts to combat a dire water shortage in the Northern Cape.
This is according to Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs Buyelwa Sonjica, speaking at the Northern Cape Water Indaba on Thursday, who said desalination could provide a lifeline for the province.
The Northern Cape is the country's driest province, despite being home to long stretches of the two biggest rivers in the country.
"Of course, when one discusses water resources, you cannot talk about water quantity without talking about water quality," she said.
The department is worried about water quality in the Vaal River system, as much of it emanates from the Gauteng region.
"The Northern Cape should also look to keep its own house in order with respect to aspects such as pollution from industry, mining, agriculture and also operation of municipal wastewater treatment works," she said.
As water is a scarce resource, the province has had to face many obstacles in trying to overcome its predicament. The province is also anticipated to be one of the worst affected by climate change.
Put rain water to work
There has been much emphasis internationally on mitigation strategies, but when it comes to the water sector the focus will be more on adaptation.
"In terms of adaptation strategies for the sector, increased emphasis on water conservation and demand management is virtually non-negotiable," said Sonjica.
Another good technology she recommended was rainwater harvesting, particularly for domestic and garden use. It is already in use in a local municipality.
In recent years, the department was instrumental in establishing a new grant for bulk water services infrastructure and a number of projects have already been implemented in the province.
A number of major feasibility studies have been completed and more are under way.
The anticipated national budget for Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant is R164m for the 2012 financial year and R146m for the following financial year.
- Fin24.com
This is according to Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs Buyelwa Sonjica, speaking at the Northern Cape Water Indaba on Thursday, who said desalination could provide a lifeline for the province.
The Northern Cape is the country's driest province, despite being home to long stretches of the two biggest rivers in the country.
"Of course, when one discusses water resources, you cannot talk about water quantity without talking about water quality," she said.
The department is worried about water quality in the Vaal River system, as much of it emanates from the Gauteng region.
"The Northern Cape should also look to keep its own house in order with respect to aspects such as pollution from industry, mining, agriculture and also operation of municipal wastewater treatment works," she said.
As water is a scarce resource, the province has had to face many obstacles in trying to overcome its predicament. The province is also anticipated to be one of the worst affected by climate change.
Put rain water to work
There has been much emphasis internationally on mitigation strategies, but when it comes to the water sector the focus will be more on adaptation.
"In terms of adaptation strategies for the sector, increased emphasis on water conservation and demand management is virtually non-negotiable," said Sonjica.
Another good technology she recommended was rainwater harvesting, particularly for domestic and garden use. It is already in use in a local municipality.
In recent years, the department was instrumental in establishing a new grant for bulk water services infrastructure and a number of projects have already been implemented in the province.
A number of major feasibility studies have been completed and more are under way.
The anticipated national budget for Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant is R164m for the 2012 financial year and R146m for the following financial year.
- Fin24.com
