International Water Association (IWA) announced that Rand Water, A non-profit public utility based in Gauteng, South Africa, has won the Project Innovation Award – Grand Award.
Rand Water won the prestigious award for their innovative “Water Wise” campaign, aimed at informing communities about conserving water resources, and reducing water consumption, during a period of severe drought in South Africa.
“This award is clear recognition by an international panel of judges of the excellence and innovation of the Water Wise education program. The award will inspire the Water Wise team, part of South Africa’s Rand Water,” said Hamanth Kasan, General Manager, Rand Water.
“Rand Water and the Water Wise team are delighted and grateful for the award, which comes at a time when we are experiencing a severe drought in the country,” added Kasan.
The IWA Project Innovation Awards are now in their tenth year. They are a prestigious global competition and the winners have been selected for their innovation and excellence in water management.
The awards highlight innovative and practical solutions to global water challenges. To win an award, a project must improve efficiency, and provide real economic and health benefits throughout the water cycle.
“The water sector is facing unprecedented global challenges. Urgent and innovative action is necessary to ensure a sustainable water future. The drought that is still gripping South Africa is one such challenge. The only way to take better advantage of limited water resources is by changing people’s attitude and their behaviours so that water is used more wisely,” said Ger Bergkamp, executive director, the International Water Association.
“Rand Water are innovating how to do this, and are setting a successful example to other water utilities,” Bergkamp added.
The Project Innovation Awards were held during the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition in Brisbane, Australia on Wednesday 12 October, 2016.
Rajani Baburajan