Responding to concerns about the presence of Escherichia coli (better known as E. coli) in Makana’s water supply, the Rhodes University Biotechnology Innovation Centre (RUBIC) activated its newly launched Water Testing Laboratory services to successfully allay fears about the presence of this bacteria in drinking water.
Makana Municipality in May released statement detailing contamination at three sites. E. coli serves as an indicator of faecal contamination of water sources, and the possible presence of disease-causing pathogens.
Having launched the laboratory two months prior, RUBIC was able to implement a monitoring system.
Testing over the subsequent months showed an improvement in the quality of municipal water around Makana, with the presence of E. coli decreasing to one site from the initial three.
According to RUBIC Director Professor Janice Limson, feedback from the local community regularly highlighted concerns about the quality of drinking water, with individuals and businesses even reaching out to Rhodes University for assistance with water testing. “At the time, there wasn’t a formal mechanism in place and the testing for community members remained ad hoc, without the necessary funding,” she said.
However, the required funding was subsequently made available through Prof Limson’s DSI/NRF South African Research Chair, and through the DSI/NRF Community of Practice in Social Learning and Sustainable Development, led by Distinguished Professor Heila Lotz-Sisitka. Individuals involved in the initiative including professionals from Rhodes University and elsewhere, realised it would be possible to provide testing services by expanding existing research capacity in water testing conducted by MSc and PhD students, and making this service available to the community.
The Laboratory partnership with the Public Service Accountability Monitor’s Action for Accountability (PSAM A4A) team, led by Andile Nayika, has been instrumental to the success of the community water testing arm of the Laboratory. The collaboration has entailed extensive training and engagement with community members of A4A who have provided valuable insights into community water testing needs and working with RUBIC staff to identify and sample different sites for water testing.
According to Professor Janice Limson, flexibility in the search for solutions is an important factor and allows for consideration of the needs of the community, members of higher education institutions, and research itself. “It is a win-win for communities, scientists and for individuals who are part of this process,” Prof Limson said.
According to Prof Limson, “When the water quality concerns first came to light, the municipality welcomed the offer of assistance, with our staff and students in RUBIC working alongside their team to conduct the extensive sampling and testing needed.”
For Lwazikazi Madikiza, RUBIC’s Science Engagement manager, being part of the water testing team has been challenging and rewarding. “Often, we don’t realise the number of people that need to come together in a collaborative effort to ensure that an initiative of this nature is established. Support from communities and local stakeholders, including the municipality, is integral to making sure that the University can make an impact. This impact must be driven by the needs of the communities,” she said.
Inspired by the three pillars of RUBIC, “educate, innovate, communicate”, Prof Limson said she has been able to more fully explore “how we embed innovation and community engagement into our postgraduate teaching and research. The water testing laboratory has already opened up new opportunities and we hope to use the facility to better understand contamination of water once it leaves the water treatment works and to help develop new products and processes”.
She sees engagement with communities as a missing link between her field, biotechnology, and the development of new technology. “Engaging communities should be central to any research approach aimed at developing technology that communities need, want and will use. The water testing service is invaluable in this sense as it provides results in a shorter timeframe, showcasing the benefits of science to society, while also helping to provide the model and community engagement platform to develop and co-create technology.”
The facility is currently funded through research grants for its community engagement arm. Community members are welcome to make contact with RUBIC to request further information at rubicwater@ru.ac.za and 046 603 7673.
Water is one of Rhodes University’s priority research areas. To support this valuable initiative or some of our other water-focused projects, please visit: https://www.ru.ac.za/givingtorhodes