The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber’s Adopt a School initiative is fast gaining momentum as more companies commit to the cause.
This project, which was conceptualised by the Chamber’s Water Task Team which comprises representation across different business sectors, is aimed at reducing water losses in the Metro.
Water leaks account for a loss of around 35% of the city’s water, with at least 10% of this happening at schools.
“To date, six multinational companies in Nelson Mandela Bay have adopted 11 schools near their precincts as part of the Chamber’s citywide water preservation effort to address the current water losses in the Metro,” said Denise van Huyssteen, CEO Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber.
Ford South Africa, Continental Tyre South Africa, Aspen Pharmaceutical, Volkswagen South Africa, Fresenius Kabi and Isuzu Motors South Africa have all committed themselves to the project and work has already commenced in some of the schools.
Volkswagen SA has committed to donating 20 water tanks to schools in Kariega, formerly Uitenhage.
“This intervention will make a huge difference to the beneficiaries considering that severe water shortages will start in the Kariega region next month.
“The area also houses Chamber member companies who rely on consistent water for their operations.
“This is a huge threat not only to existing jobs but also to business sustenance and potential investment inflows,” said Van Huyssteen.
At Gelvandale High School five of six identified major water leaks have already been fixed. Continental Tyre South Africa has set the wheels in motion with the recent repairs of water leaks at this school.
“Following the Chamber’s call, the company quickly dispatched its team to assess the situation at the school where six water leaks were discovered. The schools consumption will potentially be reduced by 50%,” said Van Huyssteen.
Work at this particular school is nearing completion and the Continental SA team will move to the next school to conduct a needs analysis to scope out its work.
The other Chamber member company, Ford SA, is looking at drilling boreholes at schools it has identified to augment their water supply.
“This will go a long way in addressing the school’s immediate water needs and also alleviate the pressure on the municipal water supply.
“As the Chamber, we deeply appreciate the intervention from the private sector towards the very serious water crisis facing our Metro, reaffirming the importance of collaboration between business and government in addressing some of the challenges facing the Metro,” said Van Huyssteen.
