News24
19 May 2019, 23:43 GMT+10
There is poor awareness and use of available and evolving geospatial data in Africa which could actually help to create the modernised management of water resources, according to Rose Alabaster, co-chair of the Group on Earth Observation Global Water Sustainability Initiative in Switzerland.
Alabaster, who was speaking at African Utility Week in Cape Town on Tuesday, said some of this useful data can be supplied to water policy makers and managers, by earth observation and analytical services.
"There has been immense pressure on fresh water resources and this has increased over the past 25 years," she said. "This demands better cooperation across the water sector."
More than 80% of water resources are used by agriculture and industries with household use coming in third place, Alabaster explained.
"The historical data available from the SA National Space Agency and even NASA can be used to model how much water is available in a region and can enable one to make predictions," she said.
"Decision making in water resources planning and management needs support and this can come from the improved use of earth observation data and associated analytical tools and services."
Alabaster would like to see more open data policies in Africa to assist in this process.
"The role of the private sector is to enhance the capacities within the African region - for instance, by investing in trans-boundary infrastructure," she suggested.
"The questions we need to ask is whether we are investing enough in water knowledge and accessing data about it and how we can link scientists and policy makers. We need to see how to harness information - for instance from satellite surveillance - and how to use it."
Investors want to be sure lights will stay on in SA - economist
She said it is important to establish user needs and then to see what kinds of data would be needed in relation to it.
"The essential water cycle variables are currently being defined to base them on user needs and to be able to respond effectively. The private sector can play an enhancement role in this regard," Alabaster said.
"Areas to look at using data more effectively include accurate water quality data collection and analysis, the building of databases on water quality at local level, providing appropriate technology for water remediation - especially for small scale water systems, and capacity building for water quality treatment and monitoring."
Get a daily dose of Sierra Leone Times news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Sierra Leone Times.
More InformationHONG KONG: China has fired back at the European Union in an escalating trade dispute by imposing new restrictions on medical device...
NEW YORK, New York - Monday's trading session saw mixed performances across U.S. and global markets, with several major indices posting...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. government has granted GE Aerospace permission to resume jet engine shipments to China's COMAC, a person...
DUBAI, U.A.E.: Saudi Aramco is exploring asset sales as part of a broader push to unlock capital, with gas-fired power plants among...
MILAN, Italy: Italian regulators have flagged four non-EU countries—including Russia—as carrying systemic financial risk for domestic...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: With just weeks to spare before a potential government default, U.S. lawmakers passed a sweeping tax and spending...
Issues facing the Global South will get priority under Indias chairmanship of the grouping India intends to define BRICS in a new...
Nairobi [Kenya], July 8 (ANI): At least 11 people were killed and more than 500 detained during anti-government protests across Kenya,...
Wellington [New Zealand], July 8 (ANI): Right-arm seamer Matthew Fisher received a maiden call-up from the national team asthe squad...
(250708) -- KAMPALA, July 8, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Players of Uganda attend a training session for the upcoming men's Rugby Africa Cup Championship...
Washington, DC [US], July 8 (ANI): President Donald Trump said on Monday night (local time) that the US is close to reaching a trade...
Washington, DC [US], July 8 (ANI): US President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) shared letters sent by his administration to 14...