In a bid to fortify their bilateral relations and address pressing challenges in the water and sanitation sector, the governments of South Africa and the Netherlands have pledged to explore further avenues of collaboration. This commitment was reaffirmed during a significant meeting between Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu, Director-General Dr. Sean Phillips, and the Ambassador of the Netherlands to South Africa, Joanne Doornewaard, held in Pretoria this week.
This gathering marked the first official meeting between Minister Mchunu and Ambassador Doornewaard since her posting to South Africa in August 2023. Discussions during the meeting encompassed various topics, including the existing bilateral agreement on water management and potential collaborative initiatives in the water and sanitation domain.
Highlighting the significance of the Netherlands’ expertise and contribution in water and sanitation, Minister Mchunu expressed gratitude, emphasizing its substantial impact. He cited the visit of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima to South Africa in October of the previous year, as part of the Blue Deal Project, as a testament to the strong bond between the two nations and their shared commitment to addressing water-related challenges.
Acknowledging the persistent infrastructural challenges at the municipal level leading to significant water losses, Minister Mchunu stressed the imperative of investing in water infrastructure to mitigate these losses. Despite South Africa being one of the driest countries globally, he dispelled notions of a water crisis, attributing any challenges to “isolated incidents” rather than a systemic crisis.
Dr. Phillips echoed Minister Mchunu’s sentiments, underscoring the benefits derived from collaborative programs under the Blue Deal Project, particularly in enhancing infrastructure procurement processes. He emphasized the infusion of international expertise into South Africa’s systems, aimed at modernizing processes and ultimately improving service delivery across water boards and municipalities.
Ambassador Doornewaard outlined the Netherlands’ commitment to supporting South Africa in addressing water challenges, particularly in regions like Limpopo. She emphasized the collaborative spirit, stating, “We just want to lend a helping hand to the country.”
The Blue Deal agreement, signed between South Africa and the Netherlands, serves as a cornerstone for fostering water management practices through the exchange of knowledge and experiences. It represents a tangible manifestation of the shared commitment of both nations towards sustainable water resource management.
Looking ahead, the envisioned collaboration between South Africa and the Netherlands holds immense promise for addressing critical water challenges faced by South Africans. As both nations embark on this journey of cooperation, the fruits of their collective efforts are poised to yield tangible benefits, ensuring a brighter, more water-secure future for all.
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