South Africa
DWS calls on role players to prevent dams from running dry
As dam levels continue to dissipate and the unrelenting effects of drought are predicted to remain for the next coming months , the Department of Water and Sanitation ( DWS ) is urging all sectors to put in place appropriate preparedness plans at all levels of the water supply chain to prevent dams from running completely dry .
In addition to restrictions already in place , the department is encouraging water conservation and water demand management , eradication of unlawful water use in the irrigation sector , desalination of mine water , and the reuse of water as essential interventions to limit the risk of drought restrictions .
“ To underline the seriousness of water shortages , the integrated Vaal River system , which supplies mainly Gauteng , has decreased from 72.2 % this time last year to 53.5 %. The Department is continuing to identify strategic actions to ensure it satisfies the water requirement of communities , while urging them to use water sensibly as the water restrictions are set to continue ,” says the DWS . u
North West implements restrictions
The Department of Local Government and Human Settlements in the North West Province has asked municipalities to impose strict water restrictions and to focus their 2016 / 7 municipal infrastructure grant funding on addressing water shortages . Large areas in the province continue to be hit by drought and the department says it continues to put measures in place to ensure that residents in drought-stricken areas are not adversely affected . Potable water and fodder have also been provided to communities and livestock in affected areas . To date , 25 water tankers with a capacity of 18 000l have been allocated to the province , and they have been distributed in Tswaing , Ramotshere Moiloa , Ratlou , Mahikeng , Kgetlengrivier , Moses Kotane , Ventersdorp and Mamusa local municipalities . Other municipalities that are adversely affected are Greater Taung , Mamusa , Kagisano-Molopo , and Ditsobotla local municipalities . u
Product quality is a cornerstone of SAPPMA , says CEO Jan Venter .
Pipes X : plastic pipes a vital industry in SA
The Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association ( SAPPMA ) hosted its Pipes X Conference in Johannesburg recently , which was attended by more than 200 delegates .
SAPPMA CEO Jan Venter said the annual Pipes Conference has become firmly established in the industry ’ s events calendar . “ The plastic pipe industry is arguably one of the most important industries in South Africa ’ s infrastructure , as water distribution , waste disposal , irrigation , telecommunications , and a myriad of other services rely on pipe infrastructures to work effectively .
Through hosting our yearly Pipes conferences and other activities , SAPPMA has proven that we are heavily invested in the well-being of the local plastics pipe industry — especially where standards and technical specifications are concerned ,” Venter said .
“ We have already exposed more than 1 500 delegates to close to 200 technical papers since the first time we hosted our Pipes conference . This year we were privileged to have 17 experts in their field sharing their expertise , coming from as far afield as Australia , Spain , Germany and the Middle East .”
Many of the papers presented on the day reflected the current problems that South African industries are facing in regard to the accreditation of national standards . “ Quality in general — and long-term product quality in particular — is one of our cornerstones ,” explained Venter .
“ Considering that approximately 40 000km of plastic pipe is manufactured annually in South Africa , we are doing everything in our power to prevent a general deterioration of plastic piping systems in our country . SAPPMA has been on the forefront of this situation and is probably further down the road to facilitate alternative mechanisms .”
Venter also announced that the PPCA ( Plastic Pipes Conference Association ) has agreed to sponsor 10 presenters from this year ’ s conference in Berlin to present their papers at next year ’ s Pipes XI Conference , thereby giving the event an even greater international footprint . u
SAPPMA
6 Water Sewage & Effluent November / December 2016