An estimated R570-billion is needed over the next ten years to maintain and expand South Africa’s water infrastructure, says events organiser Exhibition Manage-ment Services (EMS) MD John Thomson.

He notes that South Africa’s growing demand for clean, potable water continues to put pressure on resources and infrastructure, a trend that is common all over Africa.

is responsible for planning and executing the yearly international water industry exhibition, Watertec Africa, which is being held at the Gallagher Convention Centre from May 14 to 16.

Watertec Africa is one of the ten component shows of the South African Industry and Technology Fair, known as Indutec.

“Companies from around the world are queuing up to help solve our water problems. This year’s event includes exhibitor companies from as far afield as the Czech Republic,” says Thomson.

Companies exhibiting at this year’s event include those involved in the treatment and dis-posal of wastewater, the rehabilitation and renovation of pipe and sewerage systems, desalination systems and water quality and treatment.

“Visitors include agronomists, bankers, professional consultants, distributors, farm owners, government representatives, marketers and researchers,” he says, noting that highlights of the event include the showcasing of the latest equipment and technologies, workshops and networking opportunities.

Exhibitors

“European shut-off and control valve manufacturer ABO Valve will make its African debut at Watertec Africa this year,” says Thomson.

ABO will use the three-day expo for exposure in the local market and hopes to reinforce its reputation as a reliable manufacturer of high-quality European products.

“We have started focusing on new, fast-growing markets where we can establish a strong presence. Africa stands out as the most promising of these, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Algeria.

“We are already supplying valves to this region and want to strengthen our presence through a product-specific show. Watertec Africa is ideal for us because it’s part of a broader umbrella event, Indutec, covering all important valves-related sectors – water, petrochemicals, oil and gas, and energy,” says ABO commercial director Miroslav Student.

Thomson says the company’s experience in the production of soft-seated and high-performance butterfly valves is valuable to South Africa’s water conditions, as well as those of Africa.

“Butterfly valves are economical yet offer solid, reliable performance; they are used extensively in water treatment, potable water, desalination and wastewater treatment plants.

“From the experience we have gained while serving the water markets in Europe, the Middle East and South East Asia, we are able to transfer both knowledge and skills while supplying butterfly valve systems to the local water industry,” states Student.

A number of South African companies are also using Watertec Africa to tap into new markets.

Water treatment solutions company Control Chemicals CEO Peter Buchan says private companies can provide cost-effective and sustainable water solutions, and Watertec Africa is a chance to interact with such companies.

“Owing to a lack of suitable alternatives, local authorities, historically, settled for either chlorine gas- or sodium hypochlorite-based water disinfection. While seemingly ‘cheap per kilo’, in reality both options require specialised infrastructure, training and on-site maintenance, which adds significantly to the overall cost of running these technologies.

“More evidence indicates that they are incompatible with local sustainability, against the backdrop of an acute national skills shortage. The high-tech, capital-cost-driven paradigm has failed to deliver on its promise. We believe more attention needs to be given to interim, low-cost, low-technology ‘bridging’ solutions that can be implemented and sustained without the need for specialised skills and equipment,” he states.

Buchan adds that several high-quality, locally developed solid chlorine solutions exist and are readily available.

“We want to show consumers, government and the international market that operating in this manner can reduce the overall cost of clean running water, while simultaneously speeding up service delivery,” he says.

Meanwhile, dewatering plants and equipment manufacturer Filtaquip product specialist Jacques van Rooijen says the company will be at Watertec Africa to share information and educate the market.

“The number one challenge for the African water industry is a lack of public awareness about the challenges Africa faces,” he says.

Filtaquip recently introduced the German-manufactured Wisy product range, one of the largest rainwater harvesting systems in the world.

The company will be introducing its new four-step filtration system, which includes two prefilters, stainless-steel mesh and smoothing inlets to oxygenate water flowing into tanks.

Further, filtration systems designer and manufacturer Dango & Dienenthal CEO Hannes Goosen says the industry has a responsibility to guarantee safe and sufficient water for the future.

“That opens the door to huge opportunities in the water industry and Watertec Africa provides the means to make contact with potential customers and share new technologies,” he notes.