ENVIRONMENT and ENERGY
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Develop mechanisms to ensure that water
information and water research outputs are
beneficially applied in improved water management
and for effectively dealing with other challenges
facing the water sector.
Ensure that research and innovation in the water
sector are adequately resourced and that resources
are used efficiently and effectively.
Draw on and protect indigenous knowledge for
research and innovation in the water sector.
Find innovative approaches for dealing with the
high levels of complexity in the water sector, with a
long-term and transformative thinking, for example,
in the implementation of the Water Allocation
Reform programme (WAR).
Provide knowledge and foresight on potential
future challenges, especially those caused by
climate change, likely to arise from population
growth, energy consumption, changing economic
conditions, and political changes.
Promote innovation and business development from
the results of water research.
Promote greater inclusivity and better coordination
and coherence within the current national water-
centred R&I system, which has served the country
well in the past.
High-level strategic actions
Develop a national plan
A National Water Research Plan that covers the entire
innovation value chain will be developed. The plan should
include a strategy that can articulate the priority research
infrastructure areas of a national scale (capacity areas)
to further develop the national research capacity and
improve research outcomes over the next five to 10 years.
Improve utilisation of outputs
Develop mechanisms to ensure that water information
and water research outputs are protected, accessible,
and beneficially applied in improved water management
and for effectively dealing with other challenges facing
the water sector.
Clarify roles and mandates
Relationships and reporting lines between institutions
that are involved in R&D within the sector will be clarified
and improved to achieve the broader objectives of the
NWRS 2. PA
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Editor’s comment
Not merely talking about altering
the product to fit and such, but
genuine innovation that makes
installations easier and less
hassle for the customer should
be a focus area. The trouble is
that we seldom, if ever, document
our innovations. This section
speaks at a high level, but
when discussing the plumber’s
role with the Department of
Science and Technology and
the Department of Water and
Sanitation, they are crying for
documented innovations. The
Water Research Commission has
a successful Water Technologies
Demonstration Programme
(WADER), which is involved with
innovation. Reading this featured
section will encourage you to
become part of the water scene
and contribute meaningfully to
the progress and fulfilment of
this report.