Tembisa township was chosen as the recipient of a generous donation of new push taps. The taps are different from the traditional taps in that their design minimises waste. They have a knob which has to be pressed down in order for water to come out.
“Alarmingly, recent reports show that 37 percent of our clean drinkable water is lost through leaking pipes, dripping taps and aging infrastructure,” said Caroline Brumrick, Sunlight brand manager.
As a brand that is water dependent, Brumrick said they felt the need to do something because of the hot and dry conditions that are currently gripping South Africa. They conducted research and found that Tembisa is one of the areas with the most leaking taps in Gauteng. On 1 March, along with fixing and installing push taps in homes and schools, they also embarked on a door-to-door campaign, teaching water conservation. They needed the help of the local authorities in order to have a successful campaign. Ward 89 councillor, Pheladi Moko said he was glad to be of help. “Although the drought has had no significant bearing on the people of Tembisa, wastage and leaks are issues that needed to be addressed,” said Moko.
He said although residents of the township were in a fortunate position – compared to the rest of the country – they needed to be aware that South Africa was going through a water-scarce season and tampering with fire hydrants, leaving leaks unattended and being wasteful, displayed reckless behaviour at this time. “I believe that this initiative can be taken nationwide, there is no reason why it shouldn’t,” said Moko.
As for him and his ward, he said this was not a once-off event for them. “Water conservation is not a once-a-year event, it should be an all-year-round activity,” he said.
Details: www.sunlight.co.za
Let Midrand Reporter know of your community’s conservation effort during this drought on midrandreporter@caxton.co.za
