ASSOCIATIONS
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number of informal operators increasing . Most informal enterprises are flying beneath the radar . This gives them a competitive advantage as their costs and commitments to their staff and clients are low .
• In successive surveys by the Institute of Plumbing South Africa ( IOPSA ) from 2018 to 2022 , the single biggest factor affecting plumbers ’ ability to succeed was the activities of informal , unqualified “ plumbers ”.
• Other research by IOPSA found that most municipalities did not have adequate water services bylaws and that these municipalities where not able to adequately control plumbing work being conducted in their jurisdiction . In related research , IOPSA found that as many as 70 % of homes in urban areas have non-compliant plumbing installations .
So , to summarise , many “ plumbers ” are not qualified , the majority of materials being used are non-compliant , the majority of plumbing installations are non-compliant , the municipalities are not able to control the situation on their own and the informal , non-compliant industry is slowly killing the formal trained and qualified plumbers . To say that the situation is dire would be a gross understatement . It is small wonder that South Africa finds itself amid a growing water , sanitation , and health crisis .
The obvious next question would be “ what is being done about it ?” Unfortunately , the answer is not straightforward . On the legislative side there are various regulations and standards which are being worked on . Sadly , most of these have been stuck in bureaucratic limbo for years , and there is little political will to get them finalised and implemented . The power to enforce the current and future legislation lies firmly in the hands of local government . As most South Africans know , many municipalities are facing very serious challenges . Apart from a handful of metros , it is highly doubtful that municipalities will have the funds , technical capacity , or political will to reverse the current state of affairs .
In the face of this dire situation , IOPSA , the Plumbing Industry Registration Board ( PIRB ), SA Women in Plumbing ( SAWIP ), Plumbers Business Forum ( PBF ) and the Building Construction and Allied Workers Union ( BCAWU ) have come together to present a plan which would assist greatly . Collectively , these organisations represent many formal businesses and workers in the plumbing industry . The idea would require qualified plumbers to register with PIRB , the registered professional body for plumbers , and require the issuing of a certificate of compliance for all plumbing work . Regular proactive auditing is conducted on the plumbers ’ work , ensuring compliance , safety , ethics , and recourse for the public . Far from impinging on local authorities ’ powers , this system will go a long way in assisting them to enforce regulations and protect vital infrastructure and public health . The system has been in operation on a voluntary basis for more than a decade and is working extremely well . Thousands of qualified plumbers are already registered and are subjecting themselves to oversight in the best interests of the industry and public health and safety .
The situation is indeed dire and if urgent action is not taken very soon , we could see the collapse of a critical trade in South Africa . We do not have the luxury of time and endless debate . For the sake of our nation , we need to act now . PA
August 2023 Volume 29 I Number 6