NCRST signs agreement to prioritize water research

WINDHOEK, Sept. 27 – During the 3rd Biennial Symposium by the Water Research Commission (WRC), in Johannesburg, South Africa, National Commission on Research Science and Technology NCRST and WRC signed an agreement that establishes an overarching framework for strategic collaboration.

The agreement between the two national institutions would focus on the exchange of knowledge, disseminating research products amongst the two countries, share platforms (both physical and virtual), build capacity and collaborate on mutually agreed research, development and innovation solutions for the benefit of Namibia and South Africa.

The NCRST entered this agreement with the aim of later forming the Namibian Water Consortium, which would consist out of key institutions such as the NCRST, University of Namibia (UNAM), the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), the Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF.)

“The NCRST remain cognizant of the fact that water management in the country is still a challenge. As the national competent authority for RSTI, we endeavour to align our activities and projects to national outlooks such as Vision 2030, which in the water sector, aims to achieve efficient supply and allocation of water to ensure equitable access, as well as to contribute to long-term social and economic development of the country,” stated Enid Keramen, acting Chief Executive Officer of NCRST.

Keramen further stated that sustainable water resource management is crucial for Namibia, especially in times where Namibia had unpredictable rainfall and even drought.
“National efforts in water management should be complemented with engineering and science knowledge related to water infrastructure and resource conservation,” she added. – Ronald Geingob