Groundwater: A Strategic Resource Beyond Contributing to our Water Supply Mix

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The profound significance of groundwater beyond its conventional role in water supply was the focus of an inaugural lecture to the professoriate presented by Professor Molla Bekele Demlie of the School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences at UKZN.

Demlie’s extensive research in hydrogeology provided insights into the intricate dynamics of groundwater systems, especially in the face of climate change and escalating human activities.

Groundwater, often overshadowed by surface water sources, is a crucial component of the Water-Energy-Food nexus, underpinning the sustainability of ecosystems and human livelihoods. Historically, research has primarily focused on characterising groundwater systems and quantifying their stocks. However, the mounting pressures of population growth, economic development and climate variability have amplified the importance of understanding and managing groundwater resources.

Demlie’s lecture emphasised the multifaceted role of groundwater in addressing contemporary challenges, such as achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and building resilience to climate change. His research highlights the interconnectivity between groundwater and surface water bodies, particularly in regions reliant on groundwater-driven ecosystems such as lakes and wetlands. Such understanding is pivotal for sustainable groundwater development, especially amid competing demands for domestic, agricultural and industrial uses.

With a distinguished career spanning academia and research, Demlie’s contributions to hydrogeology are commendable. Having earned his degrees from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, and Ruhr University of Bochum, Germany, he brings a wealth of expertise to UKZN. His tenure at Mekelle University and UKZN has been marked by leadership roles, prolific research output and mentorship of numerous students.

Demlie’s research portfolio encompasses a broad spectrum of hydrogeological topics, ranging from hydrological and hydrogeological system analysis, flow and contaminant transport modelling to urban hydrogeology. Through his mentorship, he has nurtured a generation of scholars, supervising numerous doctoral, master’s, and honours students. His scholarly contributions, evidenced by over 60 research articles and peer-reviewed conference proceedings, have been published in reputable journals.

Demlie is a member of the Editorial Board of the South Africa Journal of Geology and has served as Guest Editor for the Journal of Hydrology. He is a reviewer for more than 15 high-impact factor journals, and has been serving as a member of the Professional Steering Committee (PSC) for several projects of the Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation (DWS). He is currently leading three major research projects funded by the Water Research Commission (WRC) and the South African Medical Research Council (SMRC).

As a recognised authority in hydrogeology, Demlie’s influence extends globally, with invitations to speak at international conferences and workshops. His National Research Foundation (NRF) C3 rating since 2019 reflects his standing as a leading researcher in his field. Additionally, his involvement in professional bodies, such as the Geological Society of South Africa and the International Association of Hydrogeologists underscores his dedication to advancing the discipline.

Words: Sally Frost

Photograph: Supplied