The Gauteng Provincial Government has officially launched the #SAVEWATER campaign which marks the beginning of a new era in water preservation in the province, according to Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements MEC Jacob Mamabolo.

The campaign – to be rolled out throughout the province – will be driven mainly by councillors and government employees such as Community Development Workers (CDWs).

MEC Mamabolo said the provincial mass communication campaign was a “water revolution in our province”.

The campaign is supported by all the municipalities, the national Department of Water and Sanitation, Eskom and Rand Water who all signed a pledge towards the campaign on Thursday.

Incorrect knowledge

In his keynote address, MEC Mamabolo said people do not have the correct knowledge on issues related to saving water and the campaign aims to change this.

“You should remember this day because as from today the conversation in our province is going to change for the better as we increase our knowledge on preserving our precious resources such as water,” said MEC Mamabolo.

He added government is going to change the discourse in the province about the manner in which water is dealt with.

The province is also putting more emphasis on water harvesting during times of rain and households and public institutions like schools, clinics, libraries and schools must also invest in tanks to harvest water.

Chairperson of Rand Water Board Advocate Matshidiso Hashatse said both the community and government have a role to play in support of the #SAVEWATER campaign and in changing behaviour.

“We must move away from the assumption of plenty and from the culture of using water as though it was abundant. With the prevailing climatic conditions, our water supply will continue to be under pressure. Behavioural change will assist in easing the situation.”