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Drastic steps needed to protect water resources

29 Aug 2011

PRETORIA: Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Rejoice Mabudafhasi, says climate change will have a severe impact on the world's water resources and has called for drastic measures to be put in place to address the challenge.

She is leading a South African delegation that is participating at the 21st World Water Week in Stockholm, Sweden.

The event is an annual gathering at which the world community of water and sanitation development professionals meet and discuss issues surrounding evolutionary progress and prospects on water. It brings together experts, practitioners, decision makers and leaders from around the globe to exchange ideas, foster new thinking and develop solutions.

Mabudafhasi said: "The water sector globally is faced with several challenges including climate variability and change... South Africa is not immune to these challenges".

Analysts have said South Africa faces a water crisis and could start having critical shortages as early as 2020.

A multibillion rand water project signed between South Africa and Lesotho recently is said to form part of interventions to address the challenges.

Source: SAnews.gov.za

SAnews.gov.za is a South African government news service, published by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS). SAnews.gov.za (formerly BuaNews) was established to provide quick and easy access to articles and feature stories aimed at keeping the public informed about the implementation of government mandates.

Go to: http://www.sanews.gov.za