FITTING THOUGHT
1
A time of change
Just when we expect some normality, something
else comes along to disrupt the way things work.
Dealing with such a precious resource like water,
and because we are becoming a water-scarce
country, this is particularly relevant in the plumbing
industry. Plumbers must uphold their responsibility
to this life-giving, and limited, resource.
Every day I am seeing new technologies and
techniques to service the industry, and ways around
problems. It is indeed very encouraging that we are
fortunate to have so many people who are working on
plans to create better efficiencies and savings, but one
thing I would change is the way we work together.
It is no secret that South Africans seem to have this
inherent problem of not wanting to share innovative
ideas, even though we all know we have a problem.
Everyone would rather let others make the same
mistakes and waste time and resources than just sit
around a table and share knowledge. Yes, it would of
course be a huge table, but we don’t have to have
this mindset.
I cannot overemphasise the importance of the time
restraints we all face, and when it comes to water
it should be even more urgent — do you want your
children or loved ones to ever sit without water?
Estimates from various sources indicate that South
Africa, by 2025, will be sitting in a very dire water
shortage — that is a mere six years away. If you are
involved in the industry currently and reading this, the
likelihood is that you will be a part of that crisis.
The general plea for standards and best practices in
the industry is not just because someone is trying to
be difficult. It’s because we are going to be in a pickle
very soon and it is everyone’s responsibility to play
their part in ensuring the sustainability of South Africa.
Every litre saved through a pipe that is installed
correctly, or a toilet that is not leaking, makes a
difference. A world statistic [from the World Health
Organisation] is that the population is growing by
almost 120 000 people per day — a scary thought
when you think about where these people are going to
stay or how they will eat or drink — all needing water,
health, and sanitation that have plumbing aspects.
www.plumbingafrica.co.za
Having sat down with founder of #SurplusWater2025,
Gerrie Brink, I was shocked to discover the amount
of water that is literally going down the drain, as
toilets account for 50% of water usage in commercial
buildings. The question I have to ask is, why are
we still designing and installing systems that waste
millions of litres of potable water each month? Case
studies spanning over two years prove that this is
unnecessary — this will be brought to light in future
Plumbing Africa issues when we investigate this
further. We need a change of mindset because the
timeworn ways are not necessary anymore, and the
old saying, adapt or die, is becoming more and more
relevant — and literal.
In this issue, we delve into the concept of
#SurplusWater2025 and how you can become
involved — see more on page 8. We continue
looking at rainwater harvesting, which is
possibly a solution that should be government
subsidised (page 28).
Our project is the conversion of the heritage-listed
Jeppe Street Post Office and Telkom buildings in
Johannesburg CBD (page 38), and our feature on
page 42 looks at the controversial aspect of selling
to consumers, be it directly or with the plumbers
as brand promoters, and some considerations of
the law.
If you are attending ISH2019 in Frankfurt, I invite you
to be in touch so we can catch up at the show. Look
out for us, as we will have a stand and be networking
with the industry.
I trust you enjoy this issue and please get in touch
if you have any compliments or complaints, or if
you would like to be heard. We are here to serve
the industry.
Happy plumbing!
Ben
March 2019 Volume 25 I Number 1