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standards to make it easier to have these standards enforced. Their [ SABS ] attitude is that they provide the standard and testing, but are not involved in enforcement.( PA has established that when the SABS and NRCS separated powers 16 years ago, this became the case.)
PA: In your experience or that of your members, is the enforcement legislation for water sufficient? IOPSA: The plumbing industry is over-regulated and it will worsen due to incompetent plumbers. At the same time, regulation within the industry is extremely confusing, with water regulations forming part of the Water Services Act and not building regulations. This creates a problem within the local authorities that are tasked with enforcement. South Africa does require more simplified and consolidated regulation. There is also a call from importers of plumbing products that local standards should be more inclusive of international standards and requirements. SAPPMA: What SAPPMA can say is that not nearly enough is being done to eliminate water loss in pipe networks. PHACT: Absolutely not. We live in a water scarce country, yet water is wasted in the most irresponsible ways. Compromising on product quality contributes to this water wastage. The use of substandard products and / or the mixing of incompatible components in a system often cause failures, which aggravate the problem.
PA: Can or should the private sector become more involved in the verification / certification process? IOPSA: The manufacturers’ forum has stipulated that it does not want to be put at risk again by relying on government or a single commercial entity for certification. The manufacturers’ forum has approved IOPSA to look at facilitating an alternative advisory scheme. SAPPMA: As an industry association and therefore private, we do get involved in areas where we have influence; however, we are limited in terms of the political and financial constraints of the country. PHACT: Yes. The certification process is clearly defined and controlled. Until recently, it was presumed that only the SABS could offer this service, but recent difficulties with the SABS have revealed that as long as you are accredited by SANAS, anyone may offer this certification. The private sector can and indeed should become more involved in certification. Enforcement of standards is another matter completely. If the private sector is to get involved here, it must be beneficial to that entity. The most obvious candidate would be the insurance industry who often carries the risk with substandard products being used in assets they have to insure. With the exception of hot water cylinders replacements,
PHACT does not believe there is sufficient interest and involvement.
PA: What action has your organisation taken, if any, to remedy the lack of enforcement? IOPSA: PIRB and an alternative mark scheme to support the development of independent certification bodies and testing labs, coupled with amendments to legislation and regulations to allow for enforcement through the professional body’ s CoC. SAPPMA: We are looking at alternatives. PHACT: PHACT has effectively become the ombudsman for this sector of the industry. Many contractors, insurance companies, homeowners, and body corporates have contacted us to verify certification or to give advice regarding product failures. However, enforcement requires legal authority, and thus we cannot assist beyond advice.
PA: In your professional body’ s opinion, is there a case for an umbrella body consisting of all water bodies that will take up the standard and enforcement issues with government and relevant departments, such as Water and Sanitation, Higher Education & Training, and ECSA( Engineering Council of South Africa)? IOPSA: Yes, as described above, an independent industry advisory mark scheme. IOPSA believes this mark scheme will not only certify minimum requirements, but also recognise better quality products and efficiency. SAPPMA: It could certainly be beneficial, provided the mandate could be agreed upon and it does not degenerate into endless discussions. PHACT: Yes. Currently there seems to be no consistent approach to the availability and the control of certification and enforcement. The correct products standards have been created or adopted and the NBR codes reference them directly, so it should be a relatively simple task to offer certification to such standards and to ensure that these standards are enforced in practice. Regrettably, it does not seem to be a priority at government level, so the rot creeps in( as it does) and the market gradually deteriorates to the lowest common denominator, leading to long-term problems, especially in the construction sector. A nation’ s wealth is largely underpinned by property values. If these are continually compromised, it has a serious knock-on effect on top sectors like banking and insurance. Compromising the quality of a country’ s infrastructure also leads to risk, either in terms of water availability or in terms of public health, both of which affect the very structure of society and the country’ s economic future. What might seem a low priority issue has huge ramifications in the long term. PA
FEATURES
53 www. plumbingafrica. co. za February 2017 Volume 22 I Number 12