Conference to highlight challenges in managing water resources
KOTA KINABALU:
The Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sabah is organizing a conference and exhibition on September 19 and 20 at Magellan Sutera Harbour Resort here in cooperation with the Institution of Engineers Malaysia, Sabah Branch, to highlight the many challenges in managing the scarce water resources in the state.
The conference is held to celebrate World Rivers Day and in conjunction with its Golden Jubilee.
Millions of people in more than 60 countries are participating in World Rivers Day in September each year, which is a celebration of the world’s waterways. It highlights the many values of rivers and strives to increase public awareness and encourages the improved stewardship of rivers around the world.
As rivers in virtually every country face an array of threats, only through human beings’ active involvement can we ensure their health in the years ahead. The conference provides a strategic networking platform for all walks of life in line with its theme “River – Source of Life”.
The conference has incorporated a pre-conference talk on September 18; parallel sessions on September 19 and 20 and a half-day technical visit on September 20 to Moyog Water Treatment Plant, the Babagon Dam and Moyog Tagal System, which is a smart partnership between local communities and the Department of Fisheries Sabah to protect, conserve and manage the river resources in Sabah. Benefits included the upgrading of the river ecosystem and improvement of fish landings.
Eighteen technical papers will be presented at the two-day conference.
DID Sabah director Ir Haji Yahiya Awang Kahari, who is also the current chairman of the Institution of Engineers Malaysia, Sabah branch, encourages all engineering professionals and others to come out and participate, and, in particular, to consider starting a Rivers Day event which might range from a stream clean-up to a community riverside celebration.