14 BUSINESS AND TRAINING
among some of the largest plumbing wholesalers and retailers . This trend is further leading the country ’ s water crisis to a point where “ the system is starting to self-destruct ”, as per Bloomberg , 19 March 2024 .
Rand Water Services Ltd ., Africa ’ s biggest bulk-water supplier , on 16 March 2024 told three municipalities in the central Gauteng province – Johannesburg , Tshwane and Ekurhuleni , which have a combined population of more than 13 million people – that its system is on the verge of collapse .
It further stated that it “ loses 44 % of the volume supplied to its leaks and theft ”. The more they are pumping into this leaking sieve , the more they are depleting their reservoirs .
Something has to be done and it is the industry , together with government , that need to drive the initiative of fulfilling the rights of citizens by enforcing the CPA . This can only be achieved by promoting certified products .
Water shortages and dwindling water resources I have briefly touched on this above , but it cannot be emphasised enough … we have a major national water crisis . Unless we
“ Approved or certified products are fully tested to the required specifications .” address it urgently , we are heading for a bleak future – one that has already seen power plants and transport networks deteriorate and collapse to dismal proportions .
“ Rand Water ’ s reservoirs have drained to about 30 % full since the end of December , from more than 70 %. Usage by the three main metropolitan areas has surged to about 3.4-billionl a day – its highest in at least six months .”
It has also been stated that municipalities consume more water than the agreed amount allocated to them . This is also owing to the amounts lost through theft and leaks . Once again , the promotion of the use of certified products can help curb many of the losses incurred in an already-collapsing infrastructure .
The benefits of a type 5-mark scheme The third party provides assurance that a product conforms to the specified standards .
As manufacturers try to access international markets with their products they are faced with various national and regional conformity requirements , depending on their product type . Commonly and more frequently with the current power and looming water crisis , which is exacerbated daily by various factors , a full product certification is essential and should be made mandatory .
This article will explore what a Type 5 certification scheme is and will highlight its benefits .
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline May 2024 Volume 30 I Number 3