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09 November 2018
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Story Charlene Stanley
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Photo Charlene Stanley
“Despite our water challenges, Bloemfontein will never become a second Cape Town.” This firm assurance was given by Dr Tseliso Ntili, HOD of the Free State Department of Water and Sanitation, during his presentation at the recent regional seminar of the Faculty of Law’s Environmental Law Association.
The theme of the seminar was Water Quality and Water Security in Bloemfontein and was attended by staff and students from the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, as well as relevant role players from private, business, and government sectors.
Not enough water for city’s needs
Water restrictions in some form do seem to remain part of our future landscape though, as Dr Ntsili explained that the city’s current water yield of 218 megalitres per day still fell short of the demand of 259 megalitres per day.
Pollution and mismanagement at municipal level
He pointed out that a big cause for concern was that 75% of the Free State’s waste-water treatment works were dysfunctional. Housekeeping and security at these plants are often severely neglected. Yet, it is difficult for the Department of Water and Sanitation to act against offending municipalities.
“In intra-governmental disputes, the courts must be satisfied that organs of state have taken all reasonable steps to settle contentions – which can be a time-consuming process,” he explained.
Dr Ntsili said that the Caledon River System’s dwindling water levels due to low rainfall and siltation was also a concern, but that plans were underway to supplement the water supply to Bloemfontein via the Gariep Dam by 2026.
However, he warned that poor water management could drastically affect these long-term plans.
“If we can’t manage pollution, the cost will be high. Water security will be challenged, and we will have water shortages – not because of drought, but because of negligence.”
Staff and postgraduate students trained in research funding opportunities
2013-03-01
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Staff and postgraduate students learning more about research funding opportunities 15 March 2013 Photo: Linda Fekisi |
Staff and postgraduate students from our university attended a training session by Research Professionals Africa (RPA) on the Bloemfontein Campus.
RPA is a collaborative initiative between Research Ltd (UK), the South African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA) and the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). It provides an extensive range of opportunities for funding ranging from institutional grants, travel awards and postgraduate scholarships to scientific fellowships across disciplines.
The session was presented by Refilwe Masiba, Officer at the Office for International Affairs. She explained that RPA acts as a platform which offers researchers the opportunity to seek out available research funding opportunities in Africa and other regions of the world. “This is a platform that is available on all of our three campuses. It is the first of three training sessions which are set to take place here at the main campus,” she said.