Also in attendance were VNG international, the international development cooperation agency of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
The theme for the conference was “Working together in the water sector”. The conference was aimed at showcasing the outcomes of the Kingfisher project.
The Kingfisher Programme is a partnership between the Netherlands’ Association of Local Governments and the Association of Regional Water Authorities.
Structured in accordance with the South African National Water Resource Strategy, the partnership focuses on collaboration on capacitating the Catchment Management Agencies on water governance, and the exchange of skills and expertise between South Africa and Dutch water management institutions.
Speaking at the conference, the Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pamela Tshwete, said the bilateral agreement between South Africa and the Netherlands was making inroads relating to skills on the development of Catchment Management Agencies (CMA).
“The new focus is also about improving water quality especially with regard to waste water treatment works. Also important is the involvement of local government in Catchment Management Forums.
“The exchange programmes between Netherlands and South Africa continue to address important issues such as cooperative governance, organizational development, change management, policy initiation, strategy development, financing of water institutions, pricing of water services, strategic partnerships, stakeholder involvement and participation,” Tshwete said.
Tshwete said the value of international cooperation in the establishment of Catchment Management Agencies, as well as the impact the Catchment Management Agencies is seen in the improvement of the status of water resources, water governance and water allocation.
Leanne Reichard from Netherlands shared their dreams for the year 2017 to implement Water Control Rooms for all nine CMAs.
“We want South Africa and Dutch CMAs to actively work together on smart applications and dashboards. We want to make improved decisions for sustainable water management and tightening mutual benefits for South Africa and Netherlands,” Reichard said.
