Deputy minister says SA has moved past water insecurity
The Department of Water and Sanitation, represented by David Mahlobo, claims that water insecurity is no longer an issue in the country.
The city of Cape Town is currently hosting the last day of the Water Security Africa Conference.
Speaking at the three-day conference, Deputy Minister David Mahlobo said water insecurity was a thing of the past.
He was delivering the keynote address under the theme ‘Delivering Water Security and Sustainability for All: A Vision for Inclusive Development’.
Mahlobo said, “Siloed thinking must be left behind, and an integrated, multi-sectoral response is essential to ensure equitable water access and effective water management”.
SCIENCE IS THE SOLUTION, SAYS MINISTER
The water department is committed to providing long-term security and sustainability for all citizens, according to Mahlobo. However he said the goal can only be achieved through cross-sectoral collaboration, innovation and inclusive development.
“He called for a shift in mindset, urging South Africans to see all water, whether rainwater, stormwater, or wastewater, as a valuable resource”, said department spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa.
“There is no such thing as wastewater, only wasted water. The ‘One Water’ (reduce, reuse, and recycle) approach challenges us to manage all water sources in a holistic and sustainable way,” said Mahlobo.
THE IMPORTANCE OF RECYCLING
The deputy minister highlighted the significance of leveraging the full value chain. According to him, South Africa should have a circular economy when it comes to the natural resource.
“We must embrace reuse, recycling, regeneration and water-sensitive design as core principles”, said Mahlobo.
He said groundwater and rain harvesting is important for undeserved communities. He urged the private sector, academia, civil society as well as the public sector to collaborate in finding transformative solutions.
“We cannot meet today’s challenges with yesterday’s methods. Our National Water and Sanitation Master Plan outlines the way forward driven by technology, innovation, and skilled professionals”, said Mahlobo.
“This is not a task for the government alone. It demands collective ownership, bold ambition, and strategic investment”. he concluded.