Plumbing Africa September 2021 | Page 3

FITTING THOUGHT 1
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What would we do without plumbing ?

Despite the obvious answer to the question , it is raised because we are seeing so much innovation in plumbing and this issue is no different . Plumbers not keeping abreast of innovation will find themselves behind , especially in the maintenance field .
Washington Mews is a prime example of innovation and out-of-the-box thinking . No ‘ just drill through the concrete and hope all goes well !’ Careful thinking and alternatives had to be considered as with the water supply and catering for the future .
Equally , the basics of plumbing will always be there but refining as new technology creates a better way to do plumbing . Our two matrixes show the detail one needs to consider and how technology has progressed .
The progress with TVET Colleges is encouraging in that they are being pulled into the mainstream education process , with IOPSA and the electricians participating and giving of their time to train TVET College lecturers .
Hats off to hansgrohe International who celebrates 120 years in existence . From humble beginnings to a mighty international organisation .
In our pipes article / matrix we refer to other certification bodies . It is not only SABS that can certify products to SANS anymore , so two points come out here , manufacturers have a choice and Building Inspectors accept this as a reality and stop making life difficult for developers , plumbers , manufacturers and suppliers by insisting on the Mark ( SABS ) only .
Engineers , Developers , Architects and Plumbers need to really start coming to terms with the 50 % Alternative Energy source required in the compulsory standards . How three massive developments in Centurion got away with geysers only is mind boggling . Again , Inspectors so keen to implement SABS , let this one go ! Makes one think in this state of the country !
Very worrying are the news items and statements about potable water quality getting worse . Sure , maintenance is not where it should be as the country continues to bleed engineers and plumbers , but perhaps the headline of this column becomes food for thought – what would we do without plumbers ? PA

Rory

Rory Macnamara , Editor | rory @ interactmedia . co . za
“ Our two matrixes show the detail one needs to consider and how technology has progressed .”
September 2021 Volume 27 I Number 7 www . plumbingafrica . co . za