Plumbing Africa October 2017 | Page 43

PROJECT resounding success. I have seen the students excel and really learn life-changing skills. When we find people that are keen to work and have a passion for the trade, it is always exciting. 41 1 “At first it was a challenge to gain the community’s trust and get the buy-in we required. But as a project, I believe we have done well to contribute and uplift the community. Apart from upskilling local labour, we have been involved in some projects around the community, too. We have prepared some soccer fields and upgraded some school ablutions,” he explains. LOCAL SUPPLIERS On this job, the designers have tried to stick to locally manufactured items and international manufacturers that have a solid track record in South Africa. 2 “We have had very little trouble with the procurement of any of the sanitary items; the architects have specified reliable brands that are very well stocked in South Africa. Geberit, Hans Grohe, Franke, and Cobra taps have been the go-to choice on the project and they have not let us down. “Because of the constant maintenance required for a hospital this size, the brief was to stick to brands that honour guarantees and have readily available spare parts. We don’t want a situation where the hospital has extended periods of downtime due to out- of-service taps and toilets,” Buirski concludes. PA LIST OF PROFESSIONALS Geberit South Africa Supply of cisterns and flush plates Maksal South Africa Supply of copper tubing and fittings DPI South Africa Supply of PVC drainage and MuPVC below-ground domestic and fire water piping Wilo Pumps Supply of booster pumps Kwikot Supply of geysers and heat pumps Industrial valves Supply of valves, strainers, and check valve Sinvac Plastics Supply of HDPE underground piping Grundfos Supply of circulation pumps www.plumbingafrica.co.za 1. New staff ablution facilities have been installed. 2. The staff’s ablution urinals. On this job, the designers have tried to stick to locally manufactured items and international manufacturers with a solid track record in South Africa. October 2017 Volume 23 I Number 8