More than 80 people attended the conference from different economic sectors, reflecting concerns stemming from low rainfall and high temperatures which have resulted in large socio-economic impacts in the region.
Leading industry experts, decision makers, engineers, professionals and activists took part in and presented at the conference. Our team of experts from various fields shared the stage with speakers from both local and global organisations that included the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), World Wildlife Federation (WWF), Climate Resilient Infrastructure Development Facility (CRIDF), Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Water Research Commission (WRC).
The high standard of presentations resulted in a good, open and lively debate during the ensuing panel discussion. Many delegates commented that they found the interactions useful in stimulating ideas and fostering collaboration between different organisations and businesses.
|
Attendees at the panel discussion for Q&A © DHI
|
Participant feedback indicated that the conference was informative and provided a great opportunity for institutions and individuals to interact and discuss ideas and solutions with other stakeholders in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) water sector. There was a unanimous request for the conference to continue in future years as an important water related event in the local calendar.
As a follow-up to the conference, DHI South Africa will be conducting a training course in Johannesburg on Water Resources and Climate Change – Impact and Adaptation Studies, from 17-19 August 2016.
‘The DHI Annual Conference has become the largest and most useful water event in SADC.’ – Mark Summerton, Scientist, AECOM, South Africa