'Closing the loop': sustainable water supply and sanitation: the role of plumbing education in reaching this goal

This Fellowship enabled the author to complete a course of study 'Decentralised Water supply and Sanitation' at United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO-IHE) Institute for Water Education in Delft, The Netherlands. The knowledge and skills gained from this course were enlightening to the Fellow. The concept of 'closing the loop' in our water and sanitation systems and the compelling reasons for this were cemented in the mind of the Fellow. The plumbing industry is a critical sector if sustainable water supply and sanitation systems are to be advanced and achieved; thus 'closing the loop'. The plumbing industry's ability or inability to keep up with advancements in this sector could mean the difference between new systems installed correctly and maintained properly, enhancing the health of the population and environment; or whereby systems are let down by the people registered and licensed to install and maintain these systems. Plumbing training must improve if it is to equip plumbers with the necessary skills to close the gap.

Edited excerpts from publication. Show less