The day was a fun-filled one with the zoo hosting 1 000 school pupils from across Joburg.
The pupils were given the opportunity to view the Zoo’s wetlands exhibit, listen to talks on the city’s rich biodiversity and water conservation, and watch a puppet show featuring Tappy, the water-saving mascot.
The aim of programme was to showcase 20 years of water delivery to the city and the critical importance of water to life on earth.
Discussions for this year’s World Water Day centred on how water and energy were linked. About eight percent of global energy generation is used for pumping, treating and transporting water, while hydroelectricity – electricity generated by the force of water – is a key source of clean energy.
World Water Day speakers believed that planning infrastructure around clean energy would contribute to significant improvements in quality of life for many of the world’s poorest people, as they have the least access to clean water and energy.
National Water Week this year celebrated South Africa’s 20 years of democracy under the theme, Water is Life – 20 Years of Water Delivery for Social and Economic Development.
