The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, is expected to lead a delegation to Sweden for the World Water Week conference, which kicks off today.

According to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), the conference is expected to be held under the theme: ‘Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future’, and is ‘centred on water cooperation for peace and security’.

‘Deputy Minister Mahlobo will participate in panel discussions with his counterparts from across the globe and deliberate on topics focused on unlocking the financing ecosystem for water security, innovative financing for transboundary water cooperation and Africa investment in infrastructure for socio-economic benefits, amongst others.

‘He will further outline how the South African water sector has enhanced cooperation in times of water scarcity and detail efforts employed in all spheres of government to avert severe water challenges in water-stressed communities,’ the department said.

Part of the delegation
will be a pair of 15-year-old twin sisters, who won the South African Youth Water Prize (SAYWP) competition in June this year.

‘The duo will present their water education and awareness app named ‘Drop-Drop’, which is aimed at enhancing education around the importance of prudent water use in communities.

‘The World Water Week conference is hosted by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) and is an inclusive meeting place to foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and accelerate water action,’ the department said.

Source: South African Government News Agency