CPUT together with the University of the Western Cape (UWC) will drive water research in the province.

The universities recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Breede-Overberg Catchment Management Agency (BOCMA), which will see them collaborate on various water-related research projects.

This project is one of the most notable water research ventures to be undertaken in the Western Cape and has received support from Nuffic, a Netherlands-based organisation that supports international cooperation in higher education and research.

CPUT’s Prof Alvin Lagardien, who heads up the Centre of Water Research, says the agreement will drive collaboration in the areas of catchment studies, sanitation, water reuse technologies, water conservation and demand management.

The agreement will also see the institutions conduct water resource assessments and projects on water sustainability.

Chief Executive Officer of BOCMA, Phakamani Buthelezi, says they are pleased to team up with universities, who have the expertise to assist communities with the various challenges they are facing, such as water pollution.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo, says universities must undertake research that can have a positive impact on communities. He urged that the research results be taken up and implemented by the parties involved.

Meanwhile, the Dean of Science at UWC, Prof Davies-Coleman says water research in South Africa is now in its third phase.

He says the focus has moved from how to contain water and conserve it, to how to care for water.

“I am so excited about this achievement because it shows that we are taking water seriously."

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News

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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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Top water researchers from various SA universities of technology have gathered at CPUT to share experiences and strategies.

Apart from CPUT researchers the high-level meeting also drew academics from the Central, Durban and Tshwane Universities of Technology (UOTs).

This was the first meeting of its kind and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Technology Dr Chris Nhlapo urged delegates to arrange more gatherings to accelerate the pace of water research in the country.

“We are championing this cause together, all UOT’s should be aligned,” he told the meeting.

Some of the topics discussed included pending and current research projects, various specialization areas and improving support mechanisms for postgraduate students in the field.

Director for CPUT’s Centre for Water and Sanitation Research Prof Alvin Lagardien emphasised the importance of adapting a multi-disciplinary approach to water research.

“We have civil, chemical and electrical engineers busy in this field to name a few,” he says.

“We need synergy and clarity on our approach to water. “

By LAUREN KANSLEY

Written by CPUT News
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