Water specialists form branch of national body
WATER is one of nature’s most precious resources, so it is understandable that there are organisations to protect and nurture it.
In keeping with this, Young Water Professionals have launched a branch in the Eastern Cape.
The launch took place at Grahamstown’s Rhodes University at the weekend, when more than 80 young professionals working in the water sector or studying towards a postgraduate degree in this field were present.
Eastern Cape Young Water Professionals chairman Dr Oghenekaro Nelson Odume, of Rhodes University, said the launch was to inform students and pupils of career opportunities in the water sector.
The organisation had branches in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Western Cape. “Now we have established one for our region, too,” he said.
Young Water Professionals is an initiative of the International Water Association, in partnership with the Water Institute of South Africa. It aims to bring together young people working in or interested in the water sector.
Odume said the objectives of the Eastern Cape branch were to create opportunities for water professionals in the province, provide a context for career advancement opportunities, and networking between employers and the association.
The launch focused on “the potential roles and contributions of Young Water Professionals in the province”, given the water challenges the region faces.
Project coordinator Louise Bryson said: “Participants were given an opportunity to see water services in action as they competed in a water service delivery game facilitated by Esther Shaylor of Amanz’ Abantu Services.
“This provided an interesting perspective of water services and highlighted the intricacies involved in providing water to different areas.”
Water is an essential part of life on earth. No company in the country – or the world – can function without this natural resource.
The Eastern Cape branch will be based in Port Elizabeth, East London and Grahamstown, and will host events through the year.