The Engineering Council of South Africa (Ecsa) held a workshop on 6 May 2008 to discuss the national infrastructure crisis, which would inform the proceedings and the launch of the National Engineering Task Force (NETF) on 8 May 2008.
The NETF would contribute to the development of a national engineering plan, focusing services such as electricity, water and sanitation, sewerage, etc. and the effects of global warming on infrastructure.
[...]
The shortage of skills has been particularly harshly felt by the electricity industry in South Africa, as well as the water and sanitation industry.
[...]
The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) water services planning and information director Fred van Zyl highlighted a number of problems facing the water and sanitation sector.
Despite the water scarcity in South Africa, the maintenance and operation of water treatment facilities, particularly at a municipal level was emphasised as a major challenge. The operational maintenance of existing infrastructure required skilled people, and the skilled resources needed to effectively manage assets, and be accountable for the running of equipment.
Some municipalities were described as being in a chaotic state with regard to sewerage and effluent management – and adequate operators at these plants were in serious demand.
[...]
Housing was another sector that was starting to feel the pinch, as key inputs into housing delivery, such as water and electricity were being called into question.
Source: Mariaan Olivier, Engineering News, 06 May 2008
In 2004 the South African Water Research Commission (WRC) published a career guide aimed at high school learners, that focuses on potential careers in the water sector
1 response so far ↓
Engr. Dr. Olatunji // April 29, 2009 at 12:01 pm |
How can Nigeria be partnered on maintenance of engineering infrastucture.