The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy invites all stakeholders to the World Water Day Celebrations for 2015. World Water Day is celebrated every year on the 22^nd of March by people all over the world. This international day to celebrate freshwater was recommended at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992. The United Nations General Assembly responded by adopting a resolution whereby the 22^nd March of each year was declared the World Water Day as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. This campaign was declared to increase awareness about the importance, need and conservation of water.

World Water Day 2015 will be celebrated under the theme “Water and sustainable development”. The day will be celebrated under 3 key events as follows:

Day 1- Community Outdoor Event

Date: 26^th March 2015

Proposed venue - Kabhudla, Mafutseni

• A new sand dam was recently constructed here on a non- flowing river to trap the water under the sand that is collected by flash floods. The trapped water can then be used for domestic and other uses.

• This event will showcase the new technology in line with the theme of this year’s water day.

Day 2 (Daytime) - In door Symposium

Date: 27^th March 2015

Proposed venue – Happy Valley Hotel

• This will comprise of a conference characterised by presentations and discussions.

• Information on different initiatives undertaken by different stakeholders will be discussed focusing on aspects related to this year’s theme.

Day 2 (Evening) – Awards and Gala Dinner:

• There will be WATER AWARDS conferred for the first time in the water industry.

• This initiative is being introduced this year and is earmarked to grow and increase in coverage in future.

• The purpose of the awards - to recognise organisations and individuals who have made a significant contribution in water resources development and management in Swaziland.

• Target groups - Organisations (grouped together as Corporate organizations, Projects, Parastatals, Government Ministries and Departments, Financing Institutions, Cooperating Partners and NGOs)

• Schools will also be encouraged to take part to build knowledge and increase awareness on water issues to the younger generation.

The awards will be given according to the following categories and themes:-

Category 1- For organisations

Themes:-

Water Efficiency

1. Innovation

2. Service delivery

3. Awareness creation

4. Sustainable practices

5. Gender mainstreaming

6. Community outreach and

7. Water Financing

Prizes:

An excellence award in the form of a Trophy

A certificate of recognition.

Category 2- For Individual entry

1. Best theme photo

   Prizes:

   1^st Prize: Voucher for two (all expenses paid 1 night accommodation, breakfast, lunch & dinner at Maguga Lodge)

   2^nd Prize: iPad/ Tablet

   3^rd Prize: Digital camera

Category 3 - For schools

1. Theme related art for Primary Schools

2. Poems for High Schools

Prizes: Primary School

Student Prize: A voucher for an educational school trip for the winning student

School Prize: A sports kit for the school team

Prizes: High School

Student Prize: A digital camera for the winning student

School Prize: A sports kit for the school team

Closing date: End of business day on 20^th March 2015

ADJUDICATION/ JUDGING PANEL

A judging panel will be formed by 2 DWA representatives and 3 other Experts from the industry. UNDP will lead the adjudication process. A short-list of 3 entrants will be made per award and the shortlisted entrants will be notified by the 25^th March 2015.

PARTICIPATION AND SUBMISSION PROCESS

Submissions:

Organizations and individuals willing to participate will have to register by filling a participation form which will be available from the Government website www.gov.sz. An expression of interest to participate can also be made to the Department of Water Affairs for the attention of Ms. Sindy Mthimkhulu on the following email address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Mr. Ncamiso Mhlanga at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and an electronic entry form will be forwarded upon request. Submissions of the filled forms and entries are to be made to the offices of the Department of Water Affairs located at 4^th Floor, Dlanubeka Building, Mbabane.

• Annual Water Awards Entry  Form A- Organization/Companies/NGOS

• Annual Water Awards Form B Best Individual Award

• Annual Water Awards Form C- Primary  Schools Only

• Annual Water Awards Form D- Best Poem SECONDARY AND HIGH SCHOOLS ONLY

 

Special entry requirements:

A participation fee of E1, 000 is proposed for awards in the Organisations category. Entrants must be citizens of Swaziland or be based in Swaziland. Organisations must be registered according to legal requirements of the Kingdom of Swaziland.

Contacts:

All correspondence related to this should be directed to:

Ms. Sindy Mthimkhulu Mr. Ncamiso Mhlanga

E-mail:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Cell: 7605 3623 Cell: 780 23557

Work: 2404 8032/3 Work: 2404 8032/3