EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS
11
WPC Conference – 2016 Outcomes
By
Rory Macnamara
It may seem strange that we are going back to 2016 to look at outcomes of this event ( hosted by IOPSA and held in Cape Town ) but the reason is to show whether plumbing has grown to address the outcomes .
The conference Chair was Prof Mike Muller and the organising committee decided to do something never done before by the World Plumbing Council at their past conferences . That was to have breakaway sessions . These worked well as delegates moved from one session to another being able to look at the broad aspect of water and plumbing and the critical impact plumbing has on everyone ’ s lives .
The conference did more than that , it opened up the responsibility of the plumber to keep abreast of fast changing technology , to appreciate the critical role they play and the unacceptable disregard by some professions of the plumber .
By going back readers can assess whether the industry has kept pace and even innovated in the field and whether the industry has grown . Of course , the economic downturn in 2018 / 9 coupled with the pandemic turned everyone ’ s lives upside down , but we can still look at the outcomes as a way forward whatever the pandemic leaves in its wake . One thing is for sure – qualified plumbers will always be needed , here and worldwide .
Outcomes The role of plumbing in water conservation , health , environment , and energy worldwide must receive higher priority .
• The recognition of the threat of climate change and global warming All too often we might think this is for the scientists to work out . One just needs to look at the new and converted buildings going up to see the enormous application of alternative energy in this space – installed by plumbers . Even in the maintenance field the plumber can introduce water efficient devices , rainwater harvesting and energy saving systems .
• Better use of technology to detect leaks and storm water collection and storage Considering our consistent water losses of both accountable ( unqualified people doing plumbing ) and non-revenue ( NRW ) losses , we are not succeeding too well . NRW still stands at 46 to 52 % and in some cases higher and whilst leak detection and pipe relining has grown , the need for far more control over this sector has become necessary as is the training . Whilst fundamentally it is a plumber ’ s work , lining is a science requiring further education and knowledge .
• New and sustainable approaches to sanitation ( emerging markets ) The Water Research Commission ( WRC ) is encouraging good work in the development of sustainable approaches , and
Agrement SA is accepting low flush toilets and the ‘ alternate toilet ’ technology enabling sanitation to carry more dignity . South Africa is a long way from achieving the destruction of pit latrines and way behind their own goals . There are new sanitation technologies continually being developed which are enjoyed by those with full waste systems but there ’ s a long way to go . The Dept Water & Sanitation produced the Master Plan for water and sanitation , but has been unsuccessful in implementing any of the objectives due to “ no money .”
• Create socially responsible leadership at all levels and good public service Sadly , the enormity of corruption , especially in the water sector * has been the downfall of progress in this area . The dysfunctionality of the public service , with a small number of exceptions , has contributed to an almost zero will to change , and has resulted in several NGOs Private organisations and groups to develop this themselves . Whilst to be admired for the dedication and resolve , one wonders if there is not duplication in some cases and until the responsible departments and municipalities take up their responsibilities , this hard work is a drop in a very large ocean .
• To establish open and collaborative socio-institutional systems The answer to this one is very much part of above but perhaps if all the organisations mentioned above came together , such collaboration can happen . Together , they would create a powerful lobbying body which perhaps will make government take note . Good news though , there is talk by a very influential body to bring all bodies together for such a discussion and formation .
• Closer working with Water Inspectors and Building Control in local authorities A more powerful coordinated body will be better able to support the Water Inspectors and Building Control departments . The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications ( NRCS ) is doing its best , as the enforcement of the compulsory standards falls in their mandate , but whether the work done by them and their Building Control Officers Group is going down the line to Building Inspectors , in most cases , has not manifested itself .
“ The role of plumbing in water conservation , health , environment , and energy worldwide must receive higher priority .”
March 2022 Volume 28 I Number 1 www . plumbingafrica . co . za