Eswatini Water Research Symposium

Background

Water availability and water quality are critical concerns for several SADC member states. This is due to the redistribution of rainfall globally; the introduction of new pollutants in water and the shrinking of available surface water resources for treatment which then increases treatment costs. Globally, several international and regional instruments have prioritised water resources management and collaborations between public and private entities to gather resources for water management and supply. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 promotes the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, targeting universal and equitable access to safe and affordable water access for all. This is achievable through the reduction of pollution, treatment of wastewater to the required standard, investment in water efficiency use and robust data management and sharing for decision making.

In line with regional agreements and practices, the Government of Eswatini has put at the center of water resources management research as a credible data gathering exercise for the assessment of the extent of the implementation of her programs in the sector. These include National Water Policy (NWP) of 2018, the National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) of 2016, Water Resources Master plan of 2015, National Irrigation Policy (NIP) of 2005, National Integrated Water Resources Development and Management (IWRM) Strategy, National Sanitation and Hygiene Strategy of 2019-2023, National Development Strategy (NDS), to mention a few. As a result, the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), as a significant partner in the water sector and leader in research, has collaborated with other stakeholders to host the Eswatini Water Research Symposium 2023 in partnership with the Institute of Nanotechnology for Water Sustainability (iNaNoWS) of the University of South Africa (UNISA).

The symposium seeks to advance discussions between academia and partners in the public and private sectors on challenges and available solutions for the water sector. These issues are in the following thematic areas;

• Water quality assessment and emerging water quality concerns,
• Water treatment strategies and available technologies, and
• Water management, use and climate resilience of the sector.

The symposium will appreciate and interrogate needs from the local water industry, appreciate current and past research and advanced water treatment technologies by researchers from UNESWA and iNaNoWS. These presentations will be the basis of the discussions to initiate collaborations and a way forward on same.

The Event is scheduled to take lace at the University of Eswatini, Kwaluseni Campus at the IDE Lecture Theater beginning at 8.30am.

Program