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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.”
Four from Kovsie Hockey represent SA
2013-06-01
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Tanya Britz against Tuks Photo: Varsity Sports SA 14 June 2013 |
Four of the University of the Free State’s finest hockey players will represent South Africa in various international clashes over the next two months.
Izelle Lategan and Tanya Britz are part of the Protea squad that will play preparation matches in Scotland from this week, to later partake in a tournament in London. Both Izelle and Tanya are also key players in the SA Under-21 side to contend at the Junior World Cup in Germany from 27 July to 4 August 2013.
Furthermore, two men’s hockey players from Kovsies, Jaco Fourie and Luke Sanan, are part of the SA Student Squad en route to the World Student Games, which will take place in the Russian city of Kazan from 7 to 16 July 2013.
Jaco and Luke are the first two Kovsies to be included in a SA Student Squad for the World Student Games.