THOUSANDS of learners and teachers have had their dignity restored through the Nelson Mandela Chamber-driven Adopt a School initiative, which has, to date, had 73 schools adopted by 18 businesses in the metro to repair faulty plumbing systems and water leaks, and install rain water-harvesting measures.
Basil Mugwagwa, led for the chamber’s water task team, saying that the initiative forms part of the citywide water preservation efforts to prevent water losses due to water leaks, which contribute 10% to the Bay’s total loss.
Due to the city’s water supply challenges, some schools have experienced severe water shortages, which have negatively impacted on the learners and staff members not being able to access potable water or use of ablution facilities.
Through the chamber’s initiative, extensive work at 35 of these schools has been completed so far and this has helped to restore the dignity of learners, as they now have access to a water supply and can make use of operational ablution facilities.
While the metro has received steady rain in the last few weeks, which has contributed to a slight increase in the dam storage levels, the increase has not been sufficient to resolve the current water crisis.
To date, the combined dam levels are 19,4%, while the current usage dam storage is sitting at 13,72%. It is also of concern that the city is still battling to curb high water consumption levels as the latest figures show an over extraction of 31 million litres per day (MLD) against the targeted amount of 230 MLD.
The current dam usage storage reflects an urgent need for intensified water saving efforts by both businesses and residents through curbing their daily consumption levels, as well as implementing recycling and other water preservation initiatives.
Many chamber member companies have been coordinating their efforts by installing rainwater harvesting tanks, drilling boreholes and recycling water. They have also prioritised sustainable practices in their daily operations through water recycling measures where feasible.
The initiative is a targeted intervention and has been running for over a year now, supporting schools and clinics around Nelson Mandela Bay. It has steadily grown since conception, with more businesses coming on board to provide support through fixing water leaks, installing rainwater harvest tanks and drilling boreholes.
“It is also important for businesses and residents to play their part by addressing water leaks within their premises.
“We need to coordinate our efforts as part of a broader relief plan in addressing all the challenges facing the city with ensuring security of its water supply,” said Mugwagwa.
– ISSUED BY NELSON MANDELA
BUSINESS CHAMBER
