South Africa and Japan, last month, signed a memorandum of cooperation in the field of water resource management that will focus on the development of infrastructure and new technologies.
The memorandum was signed between the water and sanitation minister of South Africa, Gugile Nkwinti, and the ambassador of Japan, Shigeyuki Horoki.
“The intention of forging a long-term cooperative relationship will assist both countries to face the ever-changing dynamics in the sector of water. He also said that ,Japan is known for its new technology inventions and that is what they need as South Africa since they are faced with challenges in the sector of water,” said Nkwinti.
Under the memorandum of cooperation, the department of sanitation and water in South Africa will exchange knowledge and ideals with Japan’s department of infrastructure, transport, tourism and land.
It will include;
- Water-related disaster management
- Wastewater treatment
- Integrated water resource management
- Infrastructure management and maintenance
- New technologies
A joint commission on cooperation in the field of water resources management will organise technical workshops, training and seminars that will take place in each country and manage working relationships.
Last year, Japan international cooperation Agency signed a memorandum of understanding to help find the way forward to the lack of technical skills in the South African water sector.