Reflections on Opening Session SA-EU Dialogue on Water and the Sector Budget Support Programme

1. Reflections on Opening Session SA-EU Dialogue on Water and the Sector Budget Support Programme WRC 2012

2. The Paradoxical Conflicts • Blue planet and the freshwater challenge in a saltwater world. • The world’s champion in inter-basin plumbing not being sufficiently successful in universal access to safe water. • SA great research track record in water sciences not being adequately geared to deal with problems of the poor and marginalised

3. Challenges of the last mile • Good technology development successes – UJ, U Ven, UWC • SA along with India, Ghana, India and Guatamala as the finalists in the Patel Prize. • Green Village concept exploration – off grid solutions for energy and water.

4. SA-EU partnership • 15 years of a very strong relationship. Post-honeymoon into the real relationship. • Strong partnership in the framework and infrastructure programmes • Sector budget support of Euro 30m • Breathing life into the WSSD European Water Initiative with Euro 3 Billion. • The Water for Growth Euro 242bn in Masibambane.

5. SA-EU • Modalities of partnership – SA, SADC, Africa, Developing world. • Learn and build on successes to date • Seek innovative solutions in partnership

6. Invest in a new paradigm • DACST and DST experiences in the journey to poverty eradication. • Need for much stronger community partnership in solution development and sustainable development. • We need to meet the Knowledge Management challenge. • Akash Ganga – utility model.

7. Invest in a new paradigm • POLICY LEARNING!!!! • The Goal must be Universal Access!!! • WE NEED INGENUITY AND INNOVATION!!!! • WE NEED PARTNERSHIP!!!! • Actively engage government and decision-makers

8. ‘Relevant science does not automatically signify social acceptance’ Recontamination of treated water Cart before the horse inventions Very active, highly collegial researchers Multidiscplinary work

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