Sinks, baths, showers, toilet cisterns and underground pipes will all be targeted in the Tsakane ‘war on leaks project’ launched on Monday at Khombindlela Primary School.
The 18-month long project is a collaboration by Ekurhuleni Municipality, Rand Water and the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs and has a total budget of R61-million, with R10-m donated by the department of water affairs.
According to the Ekurhuleni Water and Energy MMC Aubrey Nxumalo, all 43 000 houses in Tsakane, Geluksdal and Langaville will be visited by trained plumbers who will ensure they leave the houses leak-free. They will also install new water meters, as they have done in 27 schools in the area.
Tsakane, Geluksdal and Langaville have been identified as having a high water wastage, accounting for 88% of the city’s 40.3% non-revenue water, which is water lost before it reaches customers, due to leaks.
The project is also guided by the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), and will see locals being employed to fill various positions in the project.
“We have sent community members to our training colleges to acquire plumbing skills, and have also employed people to be general workers, quality controllers and community liaison officers,” adds Nxumalo.
The community is advised that they should be aware that workers visiting their homes will be clearly identifiable by their EPWP orange working suits or reflecting vests bearing the Ekurhuleni logo.
