FEATURES
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sourced based on the plumbing companies’ experience
and therefore preference of what is available in the
required volumes, which can run into hundreds or
thousands of products per development.
PRICE VS. QUALITY
South Africa unfortunately still has the mentality of
insisting on buying cheap products, but cheap products
cost money somewhere along the line and in the
affordable housing space, the holder of this problem
becomes the homeowner. Cheap imported products
are notorious for their challenges in maintenance and
specifically replacement parts, and typically land up
requiring total replacement. Another major challenge is
the health risks that are posed when failures occur.
Although adhering to standards in South Africa is
currently under tremendous pressure, quality shouldn’t
be compromised when there is really a very small
difference in price when you are considering a long-
term view rather than a short-term view to maximise
profitability. Affordable housing does not mean cheap,
and when it comes to such an important element in
health and the vulnerable homeowner in this sector, best
practices should prevail. PA
www.plumbingafrica.co.za
A central industrial boiler at a social housing
development in Matlosana, North West Province.
June 2019 Volume 25 I Number 4
June 2019 Volume 25 I Number 4