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09 November 2018 | Story Charlene Stanley | Photo Charlene Stanley
Our Relentless Water Dilemma
Dr Tseliso Ntili, HOD of the Free State Department of Water and Sanitation, warns that pollution caused by mismanagement of municipal water-treatment works puts severe pressure on the province’s water security.

“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.” 

News Archive

RAG resilience shines despite rain
2017-02-07

Description: Rag 2017 Tags: Rag 2017

Winning float for 2017: Armentum, Vergeet-My-Nie,
and Emily
Photo: Lelanie de Wet 

Although the 75th RAG festivities were challenged by ominous weather, in true Kovsie spirit students and organisers still made a gleaming success of the day. 

Students help to create sunny feeling
On 6 February 2017, the annual float-building activities culminated in the handing over of schoolbags to 150 learners from schools in and around Bloemfontein. This took place at the Rag Farm on the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free (UFS), since the morning procession to Twin City Mall in Heidedal had to be cancelled due to bad weather.

“It is of course a huge disappointment to all of us that the events had to be cancelled, but we are grateful for the rain,” said Karen Scheepers, Head of Kovsie Rag Community Service and Assistant Director: Student Affairs.

The evening KFC Rag procession took place as planned, with students having the option of taking part despite the weather. Unfortunately, the Chevrolet Music Festival had to be cancelled.

“The very important actors of today are our students who have worked long hours to build the floats and who have worked together to make this rainy day on the outside feel sunny inside,” said Prof Francis Petersen, incoming UFS Vice-Chancellor and Rector, when he addressed the crowd at the Rag Farm. Prof Petersen will take up office on 1 April 2017.

Armentum, Vergeet-My-Nie, and Emily take honours
Armentum, Vergeet-My-Nie, and Emily Hobhouse were the overall winners of the 2017 Rag float-building. “It was worth the hard work. Always remember to ask for advice during float-building,” said Pieter Kotze, RC Rag of Armentum residence on the Bloemfontein Campus. “I also want to thank both the RC Rag from Vergeet-My-Nie and Emily Hobhouse.”

The float theme was Proudly South African, and the winning float encapsulated it with local flavours such as Chappies, a Rooibos tea box and a Lion matchsticks box. They also went the extra mile by incorporating each hostel’s logo within a Chappie design.

The Central Rag Committee would like to thank all their sponsors who made the events possible. The Rag Coronation Ball will take place on 17 February 2017, where the new Rag Queen and Mr Rag will be crowned.

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