FEATURE
in a bid to ensure that continuity of
business is achieved, should Day Zero be
reached. “We have identified that all
parties need to work together to ensure
that we save the precious resource we
currently have. We have been working
very closely with our largest consumers
of water within the centre, which are
air conditioning, tenant usage, and
ablutions to aim to drive and exceed
the savings on consumption demanded
by council. We have identified and met
with the large water users within the mall,
including anchor tenants, and have
encouraged water saving throughout
the mall. Several tenants have
implemented their own initiatives such
as dry water washing at the hairdressers
and the use of disposable towels,” she
said. In a bid to save water, they have
investigated alternative water sources,
such as borehole water in preparation
for Day Zero. “Day Zero affects all parties
and is not the sole responsibility of the
landlord. A water expert has just been
appointed to assist us with scientific
water-saving methods and we are also
encouraging tenants to play their part
and to introduce initiatives of their own,”
Khumalo said.
Khumalo said that Mowana Properties
has implemented various initiatives, which
include:
• Irrigation of gardens has been
substantially cut.
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Sinking a further borehole to bring the
total number on site to three.
Completion of an electronic water
meter system to monitor and control
consumption levels.
Supplying borehole water to selected
ablutions.
Encouraging customers to use hand
sanitisers in the bathrooms, as they
have cut the water supply at all basins.
Meeting with high water consumers to
encourage water saving.
Managing air-conditioning efficiencies.
Ensuring that the sprinkler system
is not compromised to allow for
continuous trade.
Khumalo added that Mowana Properties
was also implementing other initiatives such
as rainwater harvesting in preparation for
future rainfall and they are formulating a
formal disaster plan for the centre should
Day Zero be reached. “The initiatives
mentioned above form the basis and
framework around which the disaster
plan will be built. Once the formal disaster
plan is in place, it will be easier to gauge
whether we as a centre are adequately
prepared for Day Zero. The other area
which has had to be adapted, has been
the education of patrons and customers
as to the need to adapt the ablutions to
hand sanitiser as opposed to offering water
at the hand basins, as we have received
complaints as to why water is not being
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
Day Zero is fast approaching for Cape Town and retailers need to do their bit to save
water.
provided. We believe that it is imperative
that each individual does their part towards
the greater good and it is alarming to
note that the severity of Day Zero and the
impact that it will have on the economy is
not being taken seriously by everyone. We
will continue to educate and encourage all
citizens to do their part,” she said.
Food Lover’s Market
Retailers too, have rolled up their sleeves
as Day Zero approaches. Commenting on
the efforts at Food Lover’s Market, group
head of sustainability, Andrew Millson,
said that Food Lover’s Market has been
www.coldlinkafrica.co.za
preparing for this crisis for some time. “We
first set up a water emergency group,
consisting of various department heads
and senior managers, in October 2017. This
was primarily aimed at reduction of water
use; however, as the drought shifted, more
emphasis has been placed on Day Zero
itself,” he said.
Changes that were made at the
various Food Lover’s Market stores in Cape
Town include:
• Implementing water tanks with
rainwater harvesting and filtration
at stores, pack houses, and
distribution centres.
COLD LINK AFRICA • March | April 2018