#SAVEWATER campaign successfully launched in Gauteng
Gauteng Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements MEC Jacob Mamabolo officially launched the #SAVEWATER campaign at Zwartkoppies Pump Station, Rand Water, in Johannesburg today marking the beginning of a new era in water preservation in the province.
This provincial mass communication campaign which MEC Mamabolo describes as a ‘water revolution in our province’ is supported by the all the municipalities, National Department of Water and Sanitation, Eskom and Rand Water amongst others. The stakeholders signed a pledge today committing to support the campaign.
In his keynote address, MEC Mamabolo said people do not have the correct knowledge on issues related to saving water and what government started today is a radical departure from this ignorance. “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 Mamabolo adding that through this campaign, government is going to change the discourse in the province about the manner in which water is deal with.
Advocate Matshidiso Hashatse, Chairperson of Rand Water Board said during the launch that both the community and government have a role to play in support of #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".
The campaign is going to be rolled out throughout the province and will be driven mainly by councillors and government employees including Community Development Workers (CDWs) who are going to serve as foot soldiers.
The # SAVEWATER campaign is mainly informed by the six-pillar plan that was announced by MEC Mamabolo on Monday, at the Water and Sanitation Forum meeting held in Johannesburg. The six-pillar plan include amongst others, intensifying water leaks campaign, improving supplying side and production through capacity upgrades including uninterrupted water supply to all essential services facilities including hospitals.
The province is also putting more emphasis on water harvesting during times of rain. MEC Mamabolo wishes to see every household fitted with water harvesting tanks. Public institutions like schools, clinics, libraries and schools must also invest in tanks to harvest water.
Enquiries:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Cell: 079 897 2240
