STOCKHOLM, Sweden, May 6, 2010 -- Access to pure water is a critical issue in many parts of southern Africa. In a new study, Sweco will examine three African rivers, the Buzi, Save and Ruvuma, to determine the current supply of water in the rivers and how the situation can be improved in the future.
"Sweco has longstanding experience of working with water issues in southern Africa. Since 2008 we also have a project office in South Africa to support our expansion in this market," says Eva Nygren, President of Sweco Sweden.
Sweco has been commissioned for an in-depth study of the Buzi, Save and Ruvuma rivers that run through Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Ruvuma and Tanzania. Among other things, the study will investigate the amount of water available and the vulnerability of the local communities and population to drought and flooding. Sweco will also look at the future water requirement and the possibilities for potential development projects in the rivers.
"Without a detailed mapping and strategy, it is difficult to improve access to water in the region. Many rivers are also shared by more than one country and this means that we have to take border problems into consideration," says Eva Nygren.
The contract is worth nearly EUR 1.8 million for Sweco. The study will be funded by the African Development Bank.
Facts: The supply of water in southeastern Africa is limited and highly varied, a situation that is hazardous to human health, inhibits the development of businesses and hinders social progress. Of the approximately 250 million people who live in the Southern African Development Community, SADC, only 60 per cent have reliable access to water and sanitation and a combination of extreme drought and flooding is typical in many areas. In addition, many major rivers are shared between countries and conflicts over water usage are not unusual.
Sweco is an international consulting group with combined expertise in engineering, environmental technology and architecture. Sweco has 5,200 employees and recorded annual sales of more than SEK 5.3 billion in 2009. The company has projects currently underway in some 90 countries worldwide. Sweco is listed on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm AB
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