South Africa is losing 37% of water through leaks, which amounts to R7 billion a year. In Tshwane, water leaks are costing the municipality over R300 million. To combat this, the Department of Water Affairs has initiated the War on Leaks project.

The project is currently being implemented at different municipalities around the country. The aim is to eradicate water leaks in households, schools and other public buildings as well as to train unemployed youth with basic plumbing skills and generate job creation.

Speaking at the Tshwane launch in Mamelodi, Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs Rejoice Mabudafhasi said, “The launch of War on Leaks will assist the City of Tshwane to eradicate non-revenue water or unaccounted for water and also ensure skills development opportunities and create 200 jobs through the Expanded Public Works Programme Model.” Cllr Subesh Pillay, speaking on behalf of the executive mayor of Tshwane said that, in addition to helping the environment, the project will help save money which can be put into service delivery.

MEC for agriculture and rural development, Nandi Mayathula-Khoza, believes the project is a smart and innovative way to conserve water and will raise awareness about water conservation. As South Africa is a water scarce country, she argues that the country has no choice but to conserve water.

The City of Tshwane has budgeted R3 million for War on Water Leaks. Rand Water has contributed a further R2 million towards the implementation of the project and has committed to training young people through the Rand Water Academy. Member of the board at Rand Water Mdibanise Tsheke says War on Leaks is in line with Rand Water’s Water Wise programme. He believes the campaign is about forging partnerships and developing a relationship with government.

According to Tsheke, aging infrastructure is the main cause of water leaks. It is therefore important to invest the money saved by fixing leaks into refurbishing and preserving the country’s infrastructure. Director of Fiberpipe Vanessa Khathwane says War on Leaks will have a big financial impact on water, water wastage and water infrastructure.

Khathwane took the launch as an opportunity to remind the youth that it is their responsibility to support government’s initiatives to address the country’s challenges and to give Minister Mabudafhasi Fiberpipe’s support. The company has contributed R300 000 in tool boxes, t-shirts and marketing and branding material towards the project’s implementation and handed 20 plumbing kits over to the deputy minister at the event.

“Fiberpipe has also responded to the call from government for private sector involvement and active participation in addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by our country in order to realise the national objectives of poverty-alleviation, job creation and skills development in the National Development Plan Vision 2030,” said Minister Mabudafhasi.

Creating jobs

In addition to fixing leaks, the project places great emphasis on job creation. The programme is designed to train young people to fix leaks at part of the Tshepo 10 000 training programme. This will create employment as well as speed up leak repair time.

Quoting Oliver Thambo, Minister Mabudafhasi said, “A nation that does not invest in its youth is not worth its future.”