Israeli know-how the solution to our water woes

THE MEDIA has drawn attention to the dire straits we are going through in this country regarding drought and water shortages. It is of real concern to all South Africans but wringing our hands is not going to help. The solution is at hand.

In early January this year, IDE Technologies brought on-stream the largest desalination plant in the western hemisphere – a facility that will produce some 190 million litres of water daily for the residents of drought- stricken Southern California.

The plant is able to produce potable water of the highest quality while creating some 2 500 jobs and generating about $350 million for the local economy, providing San Diego County with a drought-proof water supply and the ability to meet the water needs of future generations. This is not theory but practical and working technology.

This plant replicates three of four that Israel has been using with huge success along its coastline in the Mediterranean. IDE is involved in another 10 projects in the US and operates hundreds of facilities around the world.

The process is highly reliable, simple to operate and has low maintenance costs. It is energyefficient and tolerates variations in the quality of the seawater.

Apart from California, Israel is helping countries and people as disparate as the Palestinians in the West Bank, Jordan, India, China and Russia. Many countries in Africa are working with Israeli scientists and engineers on their water challenges.

Job creation? Economic enhancement? Drought solutions? What is South Africa waiting for?

We all stand to benefit from advanced water technology by learning what Israel did to overcome daunting challenges and transform itself from a parched land into a water superpower at the forefront of drought relief in the world.