An initiative by the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber (NMBBC) has seen member companies undertake to assist schools within the metro with repairs to damaged and faulty water infrastructure.
A clarion call by the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality for the preservation of a scarce resource has seen NMBBC commit itself to adopt more than 30 schools flagged to be challenged in terms of water consumption.
According to the NMBBC’s acting chief executive officer (CEO), Prince Matonsi, a decision was taken for member companies to adopt schools with the vicinity in which they operate.
“More than 30 schools across Nelson Mandela Bay have been flagged as high water consumers due to leaking water pipes and faulty plumbing systems, which need urgent repairing,” said Matonsi.
The initiative will be embarked upon as a partnership between the municipality, the Department of Basic Education and the private sector, where an analysis will be done to ascertain areas of priority for companies.
“The partnership comes at a time when the city’s water resources are nearing depletion with the dams sitting at an alarming 13.2%. This poses a threat to the Nelson Mandela Bay community, especially with the imminent threat of a COVID-19 third wave,” added Matonsi.
Matonsi further emphasised the chamber’s mandate to advocate for the city’s infrastructure development, with the loss of potable water through poorly maintained and aging infrastructure being a cause for serious concern.
“The situation paints a bleak picture, and with no major rains predicted any time soon to break the incessant drought, the severity of our dam levels demands all hands on deck to ensure every drop is preserved,” he concluded.
