Water, Sewage & Effluent May June 2019 | Page 36

4IR and what it means for the water engineer The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is a term on just about everyone’s lips. But what is it, and what does it mean for water infrastructure? By Vollie Brink You can have the most advanced technology for the design and construction of the treatment plant, but if it is not operated by competent technicians and maintained by skilled and competent artisans and technologists, then it will end in disaster and catastrophe. 34 Water Sewage & Effluent May/June 2019 www.waterafrica.co.za