South Africa is a water-scarce country and the preservation of water is important for local authorities such as the Ekurhuleni Metro.
The metro has thus launched this programme to repair water leaks to curb water wastage in several areas.
According to the Water Demand Management Analysis, about 43 000 residential areas in Tsakane, Langaville and Geluksdal have high volumes of water wastage.
The municipality’s water Conservation Leak Repair Project is currently underway in these areas and the project is expected to run until January 2016.
The repair work involves conducting leak free tests in each property, and fixing or replacing leaking plumbing items such as toilet cisterns and associated pipework.
“This includes refurbishment of underground pipes and yard connections, fixing sink taps, baths, showers, outdoor taps, condition rating of underground pipes, and installation of meters on properties,” metro’s spokesperson Themba Gadebe said.
About 27 schools in Tsakane, Langaville and Geluksdal will also have their leaks repaired.
“Of great importance is that the project is community-based and labour-intensive in line with the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) principles, which means locals will receive employment opportunities,” Gadebe says.
The project will result in the creation of 377 jobs in the fields of plumbing, general work, community liaison officers, community facilitator supervisors, community facilitators and quality controllers.
“Residents must be at ease as the workers will be clearly identifiable by their EPWP orange working suits and some will be wearing reflecting vests bearing the Ekurhuleni logo,” said Gadebe.
The leak repair project is happening in partnership with Water Affairs, Public Works and Rand Water.
