02 June 2022: As discussions continued around water conversation, the recent devastating floods in Kwa-Zulu Natal, coupled with ageing water infrastructure, growing water scarcity, the impacts of climate change, and deteriorating pollution of water sources, calls for the expedited collaboration between the public and private sector to better manage scarce water resources and avert a potential depletion of clean drinking water, says Andre Ferreira, Sales & Marketing Director of Servest Landscaping and Turf.
Ferreira says that the debilitating drought in 2018 and the torrential rains that claimed hundreds of lives, destroyed infrastructure and displaced countless families serve as a grim reminder of the impact of human activity on the environment which can no longer be ignored.
South Africa is a water-scarce country and is ranked as the 30th driest in the world. Despite these water challenges, it is estimated that 37% of South Africa’s clean and potable water is lost through crumbling infrastructure such as leaking pipes.
“Collaboration between the private and public sectors can enable a better response to address some of these challenges. Public monetary capital can be made available and matched with private intellectual capital to tackle projects that align with Operation Vulindlela. This partnership can help to close the knowledge gap in the public sector and the funding challenges experienced by the private sector experts. Such partnerships can go a long way towards taking us a step forward in creating a greener economy,” says Ferreira.
Ferreira adds that companies like Servest can play an important role in bringing expertise to bear by leveraging knowledge in building information modelling (BIM) in partnership with the public sector.
“This expert knowledge and insight could be used to plan more efficiently, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure related to Operation Vulindlela. Urban landscapes have especially high potential to influence water conservation and controlling water surface runoff. With the devastating effects of the recent floods in Kwa-Zulu Natal, the power of water and the importance of correct infrastructure and water management are design elements that will enjoy further priority in the future,” adds Ferreira.
The importance of better management of water resources was alluded to in the 2018, National Water and Sanitation Master Plan, which forecast a water supply deficit of 17% by 2030.
Ferreira points out that the landscaping industry needs to also evolve in line with environmental concerns.
“While we have seen the gradual changes in landscaping from the traditional English country renown for clipped hedges, to Indigenous, free form, flowing spaces, there are several areas that still require attention. Conventional landscaping practices has a negative effect on water consumption. During the decades landscaping has evolved into a science of incorporating all living elements, with a sensitivity towards nature and the relationship of the built environment to its surroundings and the functioning of the bigger picture. With specific relevance towards water, landscape design works to conserve the flow of natural water. In a water sensitive country such as South Africa, we widely use succulents and grasses with high emphasis on the use of indigenous trees. Heterogeneous designs talk to offering broader diversity in the relevant space,” adds Ferreira.
“Effective environmental management services and water supply solutions are crucial to addressing some of the water issues that we continue to face as a country and continent,” highlights Ferreira.