The International Water Association (IWA) has awarded Rand Water from South Africa with the Project Innovation Award– Grand Award. A non-profit public utility based in Gauteng, Rand Water won the 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 programme,” said Hamanth Kasan, General Manager, Rand Water. “The award will inspire Rand Water’s Water Wise team and we’re delighted and grateful for the award, which comes at a time when we are experiencing a severe drought in the country.”
The IWA Project Innovation Awards are now in their tenth year. They are a global competition for innovation and excellence in water management. 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,” said Ger Bergkamp, IWA Executive Director. “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 behaviour so that water is used more wisely. Rand Water are innovating on how to do this, and are setting a successful example to other water utilities.”
The Project Innovation Awards were held during the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition in Brisbane, Australia. The winners were announced at an award ceremony at Rydges, South Bank.
