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09 November 2018
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Story Charlene Stanley
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Photo Charlene Stanley
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.”
UFS honours many during autumn diploma and graduation ceremony
2008-04-25
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The University of the Free State (UFS) will award 594 diplomas and 2 524 degrees from 22-25 April 2008 during this year’s autumn diploma and graduation ceremony. Students from the Main Campus and Vista Campus will take part in the ceremony.
Altogether 50 doctorates, one honorary doctorate and one shield of honour will be awarded. The honorary doctorate will be awarded to Prof. Daneel Ferreira and the shield of honour to Mr Ludo Helsen. This is the first time since 2004 that a shield of honour will be awarded.
On 23 April 2008 Prof. Ferreira will receive the degree Doctor Scientiae (honoris causa) for his for exceptional service, not only to the Southern African scientific community but also globally. By awarding him an honorary doctorate, the UFS recognises his significant contributions to the field of organic chemistry over the years. Prof. Ferreira, a former professor in organic chemistry at the UFS, is professor and chair of Pharmacognosy in the School of Pharmacology at the University of Mississippi, United States of America, as well as research chair of the Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences at that university.
Mr Helsen will be honoured on 25 April 2008 for his involvement in a diversity of projects on the relationship between language and culture and the consolidation of a dynamic democratic dispensation. Among these is the Multilingual Information Development Programme (the MIDP), which is aimed at institutionalising a multilingual dispensation within the Free State Provincial Government. Mr Helsen is a member of the provincial council of Antwerp, Belgium.
On 22 April 2008 from 08:30 altogether 228 diplomas will be awarded to students from all the faculties. At 14:30 on the same day 366 diplomas will be awarded in the teacher upgrading programmes of the School of Education in the Faculty of the Humanities, namely A.C.E, N.P.D.E. and C.E.
On 23 April 2008 from 08:30 altogether 298 degrees and nine doctorates will be awarded in the Faculties of Health Sciences, Law and Theology. At 14:30 on the same day 656 degrees and 23 doctorates will be awarded in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
On 24 April 2008 from 08:30 altogether 453 degrees and 11 doctorates will be awarded to students in the Faculty of the Humanities, excluding the School of Education. At 14:30 on the same day 375 degrees and six doctorates will be awarded to students from the School of Education.
On 25 April 2008 from 08:30 altogether 441 degrees will be awarded in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. This excludes students in B.Acc., B.Admin., B.Pub., related honours degrees and all masters and doctoral degrees.
It will be continued at 14:30 when 251 degrees and one doctoral degree will be awarded to students from the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. This includes students in B.Acc., B.Admin., B.Pub., related honours degrees and all masters and doctors degrees.
Both the diploma and degree ceremonies will be held in the Callie Human Centre on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein.
Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za
18 April 2008