18 ENVIRONMENT and ENERGY
Regulation of the water sector ( Continued )
We continue extracts from this essential document . Important to this section — research and innovation — is the role of the plumber who , unlike the researchers and scientists who perform an excellent function , needs to innovate at the coalface .
By
Extract from the NWRS 2 by the Department of Water and Sanitation
Research and innovation have been major contributors to being able to meet the everincreasing demands for water in South Africa . The development of skills in the water sector and high-level knowledge about water continue to be priorities for rapid progress to be made in ensuring that all citizens of the country have safe and secure access to water of good quality .
Background and NWRS 1 The NWRS 1 acknowledged that research has been a fundamental contributor to understanding South Africa ’ s water resources and developing many of the techniques and tools , including enabling legislation , used for their management . It also confirmed the leadership role of the Water Research Commission in continuing to ensure that the strategic direction of water research in South Africa is attuned to the country ’ s needs , that water-related research and development in South Africa is adequately funded and coordinated , and that knowledge so generated is appropriately disseminated and applied .
Emphasis was placed on the desirability of close ties between the WRC and the sector leader , the Department of Water and Sanitation ( DWA ), to ensure that the latter ’ s research needs are known , and between the WRC , the Department of Science and Technology ( DST ), and the National Research Foundation ( NRF ), to ensure that approaches to water research are consistent with South Africa ’ s broad policy on science and innovation .
An apparent omission from the 2004 NWRS 1 is reference to the DWA ’ s roles and responsibilities regarding research and development , as envisaged by national science and technology policy . The DWA , as the sector leader , has the primary responsibility for liaison with the DST and for the drafting of a sector research and innovation ( R & I ) strategy that meets the needs of the sector and dovetails with the national research and development ( R & D ) policy and strategy .
Key issues requiring attention While much progress has been made with regard to research since the promulgation of the Water Research Act , 1971 ( Act No . 34 of 1971 ), the following key strategic issues still require attention :
• Sustainable utilisation of groundwater resources ;
• Development of human research capacity ;
• Degradation of water quality and water ecosystems resulting from industrial and agricultural development , mining and rapid human settlements in peri-urban areas ;
• Increased health risks to humans and animals as a result of contamination of water by hazardous pollutants ;
• Uncertain impacts of climate change on the availability of water ;
• Insufficient provision of basic water supply and sanitation to some rural areas ; and
• Inequitable access to water for productive use .
Objectives The following objectives have been identified for addressing the issues outlined above :
• Develop a critical mass for knowledge development and exchange . Use water research as a catalyst for developing high-level human resource capacity for the water sector .
• To contribute to effective and efficient water management , solutions that respond to the needs for water security and sustainability for individuals , communities , productive use , strategic water use , and ecosystem services .
• Ensure inclusive , coherent , and well-coordinated participation by all role players in water-related research and innovation .
June 2017 Volume 23 I Number 4 www . plumbingafrica . co . za