River Day
– Celebration
– 17 March
2004
Vincent Marincowitz introducing Mark Obree.
More than 40 members and friends came to
a delightful new venue for us.
Mark Obree gave a presentation on the 300 year history of water supply,
drainage, sewerage systems and catchment management for the river systems in the
Cape Town area.
Dr and Mrs Schreuders collecting subs at the door.
He explained how the systems have evolved, that were adopted and how management has
changed with the development of the Cape Municipal areas. Some of the world
trends and studies were discussed and he explained how spending on upgrading
infrastructure and equipment is vital, for the ongoing demands of the expanding
population and residential growth points are to be met.
Part of the audience in the Masque Theatre foyer.
He explained how a "holistic"
system is used to plan and implement changes compared to the old days when an
engineering system only, was used and in hindsight mistakes were made. Mark says the water of Zandvlei is monitored regularly, with the help of the
local community involved (ZIMP - Zandvlei Inventory and Monitoring Programme)
and it is of a very good quality.
