An estimated R570-billion is needed over the next ten years to maintain and expand South Africa’s water infrastructure, says Watertec Africa Exhibition Management Services MD John Thomson.
South Africa’s growing demand for clean, potable water continues to put pressure on resources and infrastructure – a common trend in Africa – and companies worldwide are helping to solve South Africa’s water problems.
The Watertec Africa exhibition is being held from March 14 to 16 at Gallagher Convention Centre, in Gauteng. This international water-industry exhibition will include various international exhibitors.
Private companies can provide cost-effective and sustainable water solutions and they can gain access to the relevant markets through the exhibition. The event provides companies with an opportunity to educate people about water, its uses and how to sustain its availability.
Water-treatment company Control Chemicals CEO Peter Buchan explains that, owing to a lack of suitable alternatives, authorities settled for chlorine gas or sodium hypochlorite-based disinfection. While seemingly “cheap per kilo”, both options require specialised infrastructure, training and on-site maintenance, which add significantly to the overall cost of running these technologies.