GEORGE NEWS - Esethu Nyamankulu, a senior process controller at the water treatment works and a chemical engineering technologist by profession in the George Municipality’s Civil Engineering Services Directorate, was selected as one of eight young municipal engineers from across South Africa to participate in the Young Engineers Changemakers Programme (YECP), facilitated by the Water Research Commission.
As part of the programme’s international exchange phase, Nyamankulu participated in a study tour in Singapore last month, which saw engagements hosted by institutions such as the TÜV SÜD and the NUS Environmental Research Institute.
The programme is designed to build municipal capacity for innovation in the water sector, equipping engineers with the skills and knowledge required to support sustainable, resilient and future-ready municipalities. Key focus areas included improving access to safe drinking water, reducing water losses, addressing ageing infrastructure, and advancing water and wastewater treatment and reuse technologies.
Nyamankulu said the exposure to global best practice offered valuable insights for local application. “The exposure to advanced membrane technologies and water reuse systems showed how municipalities can improve water security and sustainability. Singapore’s ability to treat domestic wastewater to potable standards highlights the value of integrating technology with water conservation strategies,” he said.
“In George, this can support diversifying water sources beyond the Garden Route Dam and building on existing infrastructure like the UF plant at the Outeniqua Wastewater Treatment Works.”
He said exposure to circular economy practices and waste-to-resource technologies demonstrated how municipalities can address landfill constraints and improve resource recovery. “Singapore’s approach to converting municipal solid waste into reusable materials offers practical solutions to reduce landfill pressure.”
The knowledge gained through this engagement will contribute to George Municipality’s ongoing water and sanitation initiatives, including its water campaign focused on responsible use, infrastructure reliability and long-term sustainability. Exposure to global best practices supports the municipality’s efforts to enhance efficiency, reduce water losses and strengthen service delivery.
The director of civil engineering services, Jannie Koegelenberg, said: “George Municipality congratulates Nyamankulu on this achievement and recognises the value of investing in technical expertise to benefit local communities. Further insights from the programme will be incorporated into municipal operations and planning processes.”
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
