The Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) Water Quality Testing Laboratory in Ermelo is one of its kind in Mpumalanga and is an accredited testing laboratory for quality water.
The state-of-the-art laboratory, adjacent to the GSDM offices, was officially opened in July 2010 by the then Minister of Water Affairs, Ms Buyelwa Sonjica.
It offers chemical, microbiological and hydro-biology testing services and the laboratory is equipped with state of the art equipment to perform various analyses.
It was established to meet the need to improve water quality in the region and is expected to guarantee safe drinking water to over a million residents of the district.
It serves all businesses, the seven local municipalities falling within the Gert Sibande District and people across the borders.
The Highvelder had the opportunity to tour the lab, to find out exactly what is the function of it.
The lab is headed by Ms Victoria Tshabalala, Head for Scientific Services, who oversees a staff of 17.
The laboratory is open to the public at large as this means anyone can bring in a sample of water to have it tested, at a price though.
The lab is accredited for 13 test methods, with more to be added as they expand their scope of work.
A question on most people’s minds though, is, since we have such a facility for water testing, why is it that our region is plagued with water quality problems.
“We would like to clear the misconception that we are responsible for the cleanliness of water in the Gert Sibande region.”
“We are not.”
“We test the water on behalf of the local municipalities and give them feedback, the municipalities then react based on the outcome of the tests conducted and address any deficiencies,” Ms Tshabalala said.
Regarding our area, Msukaligwa Municipality is the Water Service Authority and the lab steps in at an advisory role.
“This means the lab steps in when a problem arises, for example, when water is not safe for human consumption at a particular area.
They advise the municipality on what to do and it is the municipality’s responsibility to attend to the problem.
The lab works hand in hand with the GSDM Environmental Health office and they are continuously strengthening their relationship with all seven municipalities to ensure the Gert Sibande District gets quality water.
The lab has rolled out various programmes, including a workplace training programme.
Numerous aspiring lab technicians have passed through their doors, with some even being employed at the lab.
“We also take part in various exhibitions throughout the province to create awareness of the lab and what services it offers,” Mr Tshiamo Mphaga, Manager: Quality Systems, said. There are various long term plans for the lab as they are looking to grow and hope to add more testing methods.
“The long term vision for the lab is to offer services to the whole of Mpumalanga, the private sector, businesses, mines, farmers and the like,” GSDM Municipal Manager, Mr Absenia Habile said.
The lab is open five days of the week, Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 4.30pm. However, on Fridays, they are open until 2pm.
“This lab is open to everyone and we invite all members of the community to use our services,” Mr Habile concluded.
For more photos visit:
https://highvelder.co.za/75150/highvelder-tours-gsdm-water-quality-testing-laboratory/
