Risk and Vulnerability Training recharge efforts to mitigate effects of Climate Change

MEDIA STATEMENT

20 June 2024

George: As part of urgent responses to climate change, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in collaboration with the Department  of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE), NAP Global Network, have developed Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessments (RVAs) for the sector, available through the DWS NIWIS system.

Key stakeholders in the water sector across the nine (9) Water Management Areas (WMA) are being trained on RVAs and their application in the water and sanitation sector from planning at national to regional and operations at local municipalities. The recent training conducted in Garden Route from 18-19 June 2024, saw adaption to climate change taking centre stage through discussions.

Ms Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa, DWS Western Cape Provincial Head, highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnership in tackling climate change in the water sector. She further said that the collaboration between DWS, DFFE and NAP Global Network led to the development of the RVAs and practitioner handbooks to guide stakeholders in conducting the risk assessments, for each of the Water Management Areas.

The training which is taking place in 9 Water Management Areas (WMA) across the country is a vital step in addressing the social and economic implications of Climate Change. As a result of the training programme, stakeholder groups will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to mitigate and adapt to the far-reaching impacts of climate change. The two-day comprehensive training covered the following key areas:

Overview of National Climate Change Policy Frameworks,
Available resources on climate risk and vulnerability,
Identifying and assessing climate-related risks,
Strategies in responding to climate change,
Case studies and best practices for water and sanitation
Risks and vulnerabilities identified include non-revenue water, floods, and drought, which have dire consequences. Climate change further alters rain patterns, leading to periods with little or no precipitation.

As DWS and partners, we recognize that the impact of climate change needs to be addressed and mitigated urgently. Government will continue to empower stakeholders through education and training as this will promote a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.

The next and last training leg will take place in Berg Water Management Area in Cape Town on 20-21 June 2024.

“ Water is Life, Sanitation is Dignity”


Issued by the Department of Water & Sanitation