Dam engineering - Now is Africa's time to lead

Abstract

Large dams South Africa has been extensively involved in the activities of ICOLD since it became a member of the organisation in 1965. A non-governmental organisation, ICOLD was originally founded in 1928. With 90 national committees and over 10 000 individual members, it is the leading international forum for knowledge and experience exchange on dam engineering. According to ICOLD’s website, the organisation leads the profession in ensuring that dams are built safely, efficiently, economically, and without detrimental effects on the environment. Prof Basson is the fourth South African to hold the Vice President position, following in the footsteps of Drs JP Kriel, Theo van Robbroeck, and Paul Roberts, all formerly of the Department of Water Affairs. Dr van Robbroeck went on to become President of the organisation. Prof Basson was nominated for the Vice Presidency by the Nigerian Committee on Large Dams. His nomination was uncontested. Prof Basson has 25 years’ experience, mainly in river hydraulics and sedimentation as well as the design of hydraulic structures.

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