Global warming to impact on water supply, demand

International experts attending a two day workshop in Cape Town, say global warming will undoubtedly have an impact on water supply and demand globally, not just in Africa.

Delegates are meeting at the University of the Western Cape this week to share information with African water managers on how to use satellite based techniques in monitoring water quantity and quality. The aim of the workshop, dubbed the Tiger Initiative, is to help developing countries manage water resources effectively. Lindiwe Hendricks, the water affairs minister, says this information will help in redressing the imbalance of access to safe drinking water to communities across the region.

Hendricks says it is the same amongst countries, both the developed and developing countries. "If you look at the water scarcity or the crisis in the area of water, you will find it is more pronounced in Africa and through these initiatives we are looking at how we can use technology to know exactly where water is, how much is there, because for the whole world to be liberated, Africa has to be liberated," she said.