Chris Infotainment

Morocco's Ambitious Plan for Desalinated Water by 2030 Morocco is making significant strides in its efforts to secure a stable and sustainable water supply. The country’s Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, has announced that the kingdom aims to supply 60% of its drinking water from desalinated seawater by 2030. This marks a substantial increase from the current 25% of water sourced through desalination. During a speech on Thursday at the World Water Congress in Marrakech, Baraka highlighted that Morocco plans to produce 1.7 billion cubic meters of desalinated water annually by 2030. This goal will be achieved through ongoing projects and new initiatives set to be tendered starting next year. He emphasized that “studies are underway as part of preparations for the plant’s tender, to be announced by mid next year,” and noted that all new desalination plants will be powered by renewable energy. This commitment to sustainability aligns with Morocco’s broader strategy to...

Enhancing Water Management in Sindh Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro emphasized the importance of improving water management through scientific methods and modern technology. His remarks were made during a meeting with a delegation from the Sindh Flood Emergency Response Project (SFERP) and Advanced Integrated Tool (AIT). The meeting aimed to discuss strategies for ensuring conservation and sustainable water management in the province. The delegation included key figures such as Project Director Javed Memon, Senior Water Management Specialist Zahid Sheikh, AIT Team Leader William van Dersen, Deputy Team Leader Furqan Sheikh, and other technical experts. Their discussions focused on the latest developments and challenges in managing water resources effectively. Overview of the Decision Support System During the meeting, a detailed briefing was provided on the performance and current status of the Decision Support System (DSS) for effective and safe water management in Sindh....

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and Regional Dynamics The completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) marks a significant milestone in Ethiopia's journey toward self-reliance and sustainable development. Over the past fourteen years, Ethiopia has invested immense effort into constructing this monumental project, which is now fully operational. However, neighboring countries, particularly Egypt, have been vocal in their criticisms, shifting narratives based on perceived water availability. This pattern of accusation highlights the complex dynamics surrounding the Nile River and its resources. Ethiopia’s focus on water and clean energy production is central to its development strategy. The GERD is not just a dam; it is a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s vision for a prosperous future. Throughout the construction period, downstream states such as Egypt and Sudan did not experience water shortages. In fact, the modern dam built in the cool highlands of Ethiopia conse...

Ho Chi Minh City authorities have proposed a VND9.2 trillion (US$370 million) project to dredge and upgrade the Ba Lon Canal, one of the city's seven key drainage arteries, as flooding and pollution intensify across wards in its southern parts. The city People's Committee has submitted the proposal to the municipal People's Council for immediate consideration, seeking approval to launch what officials describe as a critical infrastructure intervention to protect the fast-growing southern urban zone from recurring inundation. Heavy rain and rising tides caused about 2 km of Tran Xuan Soan Street in HCMC to be flooded on Oct. 17, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Gia Minh Stretching 7.4 km from the Doi Canal in former District 8 to the Ba Lao Canal in the former Binh Chanh district, the Ba Lon Canal will be fully dredged and reinforced with nearly 10 kilometers of embankments. The plan also calls for a new 1km road, 12-18m wide, and the construction of the Ba Lon 2 Bridge spanni...

Nguyen Van, a resident of Da Nang, describes the floods as something that has become like an office worker: arriving every Monday, leaving by the weekend, allowing people to clean up, and then returning the following Monday. On October 22, after seeing forecasts of heavy rains that could flood streets and cut off access to markets, the 35-year-old stocked her fridge with enough provisions for a week. However, the rain never came. As days passed, she and her husband gradually cooked through their supplies, and she laughed at her over-cautiousness. Then, just as they relaxed, the skies opened, pelting the city with rain and causing floodwaters to rise along with their worries about running out of food. By the afternoon of October 28, water had poured down their alley and quickly flooded their home. They only had time to move electronic items to the attic and grab four sets of clothes. For the first three days, the water stubbornly remained nearly two meters deep. Her husband, Jonatha...

The Growing Water Crisis in South Africa South Africa is experiencing a deepening water crisis, with millions of citizens facing daily challenges in accessing safe and clean water. The country's water systems are under immense pressure due to ageing infrastructure, pollution, climate variability, and inconsistent monitoring. These factors have exacerbated the already fragile state of water resources, making it increasingly difficult for communities to rely on consistent and safe water supplies. Experts believe that one of the most effective solutions to this growing problem lies in empowering ordinary citizens to take part in water monitoring. This idea was at the heart of the recent Citizen Science Water Symposium, where researchers, government officials, NGOs, and educators gathered to explore new ways to protect the nation’s water resources. Empowering Communities Through Education Linda Downsborough, Head of Environmental Science at IIE MSA, emphasized the importance of equ...

Ethiopia's Water Bodies Show Signs of Recovery Ethiopia has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its water bodies, with rivers and lakes experiencing a steady increase in water volume. This positive trend is attributed to the country’s Green Legacy and watershed development initiatives, which have been instrumental in restoring natural ecosystems and improving water management practices. The Ministry of Water and Energy has reported that these efforts have led to significant improvements in the water levels of various lakes and rivers across the nation. According to Debebe Deferso, Lead Executive of Integrated Water Resource Management at the ministry, the integration of the Green Legacy Initiative with watershed development programs has played a crucial role in the restoration of water bodies. Deferso explained that the planting of seedlings has helped prevent soil erosion, allowing for better water infiltration into the ground. This process has contributed to an increase i...

The Urgent Need to Restore Karachi’s Natural Waterways The call to restore Karachi’s natural waterways has never been more critical. As the city continues to grow, it has increasingly ignored the delicate balance of its ecosystem. Rivers, nullahs, and storm drains have been encroached upon, blocked, or even erased in the name of development. This disregard for nature has led to severe consequences, with urban flooding becoming a recurring nightmare that affects both infrastructure and lives. This year’s floods, both in urban and rural areas, should serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for change. Pakistan cannot afford to treat climate resilience as an afterthought. City planners and policymakers must recognize that building concrete jungles while neglecting natural drainage systems is a path to disaster. Ecosystem restoration must become a central part of planning efforts, ensuring that settlements and infrastructure are designed to work in harmony with nature rather than ag...

The Critical Situation of Lake Mead Lake Mead, one of the largest reservoirs in the United States, is facing a dire situation. Located on the Colorado River, it serves as a critical water source for millions of people across several states. Recent developments have highlighted that the lake is approaching what many are calling "crunch time." This comes amid an ongoing severe drought that has led to historically low water levels, raising concerns about potential crises in the region. In 2022, Lake Mead reached its lowest levels in decades, with water levels dropping by almost 60 feet over two years. At that point, the lake was at 1040 feet above sea level. While it can hold up to 9 trillion gallons of water, ongoing drought conditions and a hotter, drier climate have caused its elevation to drop more than 150 feet. If the lake falls below 895 feet in elevation, water flow through the Hoover Dam could be disrupted, affecting California, Arizona, and Mexico. A Seven-State Cha...

The Urgency of Climate Resilience in Pakistan If my house was about to be flooded or burnt, what would I save first? It is obvious that saving everything might not be possible. But what if a choice had to be made in selecting from family members whose lives were at risk? This question echoes the reality we face today, as climate-related disasters increasingly threaten our homes and communities. The current floods are a stark reminder of the vulnerability we face. Our houses are burning, the pain caused is palpable, and the damage to lives is visible. In an emergency, one can only save what circumstances and proximity allow, what personal skills enable, and what the timeline and extent of the crisis permit. When unprepared for an ongoing emergency, these words become an absolute truth. I pray that all lives remain safe. However, the reality is that we are still unprepared. Proactively preserving national or personal assets is prudent. Saving lives and securing the wellbeing of all ci...

Water Supply Crisis at Kwanyarko Headworks The Kwanyarko Headworks, operated by the Ghana Water Limited (GWL) in the Central Region, is facing a serious threat of shutdown due to dangerously high turbidity levels in the Ayensu River. This issue has raised concerns about the sustainability of water supply for over 30 districts in the region. According to the Acting Managing Director of GWL, Mr Adam Mutawakilu, the plant's operations are being severely impacted by the rising turbidity. The water quality has exceeded the design capacity of the equipment, which was intended to handle up to 2,500 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU). However, recent readings have shown levels as high as 32,000 NTU, far beyond the acceptable limit. "Last week, turbidity reached 32,000 NTU, and today it's around 11,000. That means we're operating at nearly five times the acceptable level," he explained during a recent visit to the site. He emphasized that such high turbidity not only a...

Enhancing Water Technology Capacity Across Africa The Ethiopian Water Technology Institute (EWTI) has been actively working to build and strengthen the capacity of professionals in water technology, both nationally and regionally. This initiative is aimed at addressing critical water challenges across the continent through innovative and sustainable solutions. Tamene Hailu, the Director General of EWTI, highlighted that the institute has been delivering hands-on training programs to participants from over fifteen African countries. These programs are designed to equip individuals with practical knowledge and skills that can be directly applied in their communities. The focus on real-world application ensures that trainees are well-prepared to tackle local water issues effectively. One of the key areas where EWTI has made a significant impact is in improving access to water in Ethiopia. The institute has been implementing low-cost technologies that allow communities to extract and su...

The Power of Indigenous Knowledge in Wetland Conservation In the heart of Matobo, nestled between the villages of Gabheni and Inqama, lies a stunning vlei surrounded by lush vegetation. This picturesque wetland is not only a visual treat but also a critical source of water that flows into the Mtshabezi River, eventually reaching the Mtshabezi Dam — a vital water supply for Bulawayo. On a windswept June morning, a group of legislators and environmentalists embarked on a fact-finding mission ahead of COP15, captivated by the natural beauty and eager to learn from local expert Tafadzwa Tichagwa. Tichagwa, a researcher and tour guide, explained how the water originates from a granite rock, creating a pool that serves as a lifeline for the surrounding ecosystem. However, he cautioned against drinking the water, citing recent incidents where cattle had died after consuming it during dry seasons. He also warned about potential contamination from nearby farming activities. Despite Tichagwa’...