ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
Sauramba says a number of institutes are involved in their
projects. “We are also working with the International Union
of the Conservation of Nature that is involved in biodiversity
issues to address groundwater-dependent ecosystems. We
have submitted to some of our partners so that we look at the
Khakhea-Bray Transboundary Aquifer [shared by Botswana and
South Africa] as a pilot.”
He says these partnerships formed with stakeholders help lower
operational costs and avoid duplication of efforts.
PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT STILL SLOW
Despite enthusiasm in public and developmental spaces, the
response by the private sector leaves much to be desired.
Sauramba says this sector is still hesitant and has not been
forthcoming as far as investing in groundwater is concerned. An
increased interest from private investors could, however, push
groundwater research and groundwater management to the
next level.
He says some of SADC-GMI’s efforts are yet to yield favourable
results. “We have developed a directory of all the drilling
companies in the region, which is available on our website. The
idea is to sensitise the users of drilling companies because
these companies are private, and we want the users to be
aware of the drilling companies in their areas.”
www.plumbingafrica.co.za
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A deliberate effort has also been made to reach out to mining
communities, as well as industrial and agricultural users
of groundwater. Sauramba says in these areas, they have
struggled to make ground.
He wants the private sector to realise that groundwater is
a more resilient resource that will help communities and
industries cope better with climate change. “Studies have
proven that groundwater does not react at the same rate as
surface water when confronted with the challenges of climate
change.” And this, he says, is what makes groundwater the
resource of the future. PA
* At time of going to print Gift of the Givers had withdrawn from the project
in Makhanda due to questionable dealings from the local municipality
refuting payment for work that had already been completed by Gift of the
Givers, and then directing funds to other local businesses that had not done
any of the work on the relief program.
The Southern African Develo pment Community
Groundwater Management Institute (SADC-GMI) is
southern Africa’s flagship body and centre of excellence
for groundwater management. Founded in 2016, the
organisation serves to help SADC member states manage
groundwater resources across borders and co-operate
towards regional integration and to resist climate change.
June 2019 Volume 25 I Number 4