Issued by Department of Water Affairs and Forestry
7 August 2000
The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry is one of the winners of the South African Association of Consulting Engineers (SAACE) Excellence Awards 2000.
The awards - held last week - highlight achievements that, not only brought relief to the poorest of the poor in South Africa, but also set international examples in the engineering profession.
The department was announced as the winner of the Visionary Client category for its vision in initiating the 'Water Service Planning Community Strategic Study'.
The study provided a framework for the sustainable provision of countrywide water service into the future.
The SAACE said the project also provided an ideal opportunity to capacitate historically disadvantaged organisations and individuals. Of the 38 consulting firms that were formally appointed, 19 were from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Through the study, the department has also ensured that all communities have now been identified, classified and located on a map, and their needs in terms of water services determined and captured, the SAACE said.
The SAACE Excellence Awards 2000 is aimed at supporting President Thabo Mbeki's African Renaissance initiative, and its purpose is to reach beyond mere 'peer endorsement' of a project, or an opportunity for public relations and marketing.
It also serves to recognise companies for their success and also to find and highlight examples of business excellence.
The award categories included Technical Excellence, Business Excellence, Young Company, Visionary Client, and a Special Award for Making a Difference.
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