Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) launched a programme on March 24 to repair water leaks.
This initiative is aimed at reducing water wastage in priority areas and is set to create a total of approximately 400 jobs.
These employment opportunities include plumbing, general work, community liaison officers, community facilitator supervisors, community facilitators and quality controllers.
Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for water and energy, Clr Aubrey Nxumalo said, “The programme is one of two parts. It seeks to address loss of water and also to put bread on the table of the unemployed people of Ekurhuleni.”
“I must highlight that the project is community-based and labour-intensive which is in line with the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) principles. It means community members will receive employment opportunities,” Clr Nxumalo said.
“This job intensive programme came as a result of the water demand management analysis. The analysis indicated that about 43 000 residential areas in Tsakane, Langaville and Geluksdal have high volumes of water wastage,” Clr Nxumalo said.
The Ekurhuleni Water Conservation Leak Repair Project is underway in these areas and the project is expected to run until January 2016.
The repair work involves conducting leak-free tests at properties and fixing or replacing plumbing items if needed.
The leak repair project is in partnership with Water Affairs, Public Works and Rand Water.
Community members are reminded workers will be identifiable by their EPWP orange work suits. Some will wear reflective vests bearing the Ekurhuleni logo.