To pave the way for the upcoming research collaboration between CPUT and the Breede Overberg Catchment Management Area (Bocma), the Centre for Water and Sanitation Research visited the area to assess its needs.
The centre’s head, Prof Alvin Lagardien, led a team of academics and post-graduate students from Dutch universities and the University of the Western Cape (UWC).
The centre and UWC’s Institute for Water Research are recognised Centers of Excellence, offering research and training programmes as well as consultancy and advisory services.
PARTNERSHIP: Academics from CPUT, Dutch universities and UWC recently visited De Mond Nature Reserve to assess the needs of the Breede-Overberg Catchment Management Area and to discuss forming partnerships.
The first stop was De Mond Nature Reserve in Bredasdorp, which is one of the most important estuaries in the country.
CapeNature Conservation Manager Clyde Lamberts told the team of researchers that salt water intrusion and illegal dumping are major threats to the reserve.
The team also toured Soetendal’s Vlei, where a lot of alien plants such as Spanish Reeds have invaded the catchment.
The trip ended with a visit to the Spanjaardskloof Water Treatment Plant, near Elim, where spring water is purified for household consumption. The raw spring water is used by the local small-scale farmers for irrigation purposes.
Besides conducting research in the catchment, the centers will meet Bocma staff members’ needs for training and relevant instruments.
By Kwanele Butana
Written by CPUT News
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