SALGA IN ACTION
THE BULLETIN
SALGA MASTERCLASS:
WATER PRESERVATION SALGA’s Water Loss Management Masterclass introduces technical measures for arresting nonrevenue water in municipalities. By Levi Letsoko
IMAGE: SUPPLIED
T
he Water Loss Management Masterclass forms part of the South African Local Government Association’s (SALGA) ongoing campaign to stop an increase in water loss. SALGA has prioritised water preservation measures by adopting the five pillars of conservation and management – technical, social, financial, institutional and legal. “These pillars are seen as instrumental game-changers in addressing the plight experienced by member municipalities in the management of nonrevenue water,” says William Moraka, manager: Water Services, SALGA. “The Masterclass is configured to unearth the technical pillar measures that seek to enhance and scale-up initiatives put in place by member municipalities towards arresting nonrevenue water.” Inspired by the 2016/17 nonrevenue water report issued by the Department of Water and Sanitation, the Masterclass, facilitated by Shantal Harigobin, SALGA’s programme manager, was held on 29 June 2021. It included speakers from the Water Resource Commission and Water Resources Planning. The Masterclass is part of a multistructured plan that SALGA is rolling out to gain control around issues relating to nonrevenue water management and water preservation. Challenges facing local municipalities have a direct impact on the entities’ ability to deliver basic services. Water and sanitation services require a dedicated effort towards maximising delivery while minimising wastage. The technical, social, financial, institutional and legal pillars (as outlined in the Masterclass), designed to arrest every challenge facing the delivery and maintenance of the water services, have been outlined in a manner that confronts the reality of the situation.
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Masterclass participants exploring key utilities.
AIMS, MEASURES AND OUTCOMES “The primary aim was to highlight methods of measuring and, ultimately, reducing nonrevenue water. Equally, another goal is to share with member municipalities the elements of a sound water loss management programme based on effective national and international practices,” says Moraka. “The Masterclass is also wired to expose municipalities to tools, instruments and technological advances that they can use to reduce nonrevenue water mismanagement. It is important to share evidence-based research and the benefits of having a water loss programme and applicable funding in place,” he adds. The Masterclass presented an opportunity to introduce the measures that local municipalities are implementing to reduce nonrevenue water. These include pipe replacement programmes, leak detection and repairs. Moraka explained that the burst and background estimate technology (BABE) was outlined to introduce quick-win measures including pressure management and keeping track of night flows that contribute to the increase in nonrevenue water and overall clean water wastage. “Midvaal Municipality is one of the good practice municipalities that has reduced nonrevenue water by employing these measures,” says Moraka. “The targeted audiences were largely local and district municipalities because of the challenges
they face in general water management and provision of reliable water services.” Provincial networks including the water and sanitation intergovernmental arms were instrumental in reaching the intended participants with the help of digital interventions such as the webinar on SALGA’s twitter account and WhatsApp group messaging resources. SALGA is currently collaborating with the relevant stakeholders to develop more nonrevenue water management programmes. The approach and support offered to municipalities is expected to be an ongoing intervention until the measures make a visible impact on the current challenges facing water and sanitation services. SALGA has established partnerships with the Public Utilities Board in Singapore and Japan’s municipalities aimed at information and skills dissemination directed towards water management. “The Masterclass was attended by over 100 participants. The feedback from participants was positive, so, in August, SALGA will be hosting another technical webinar focusing on nonrevenue water project preparation and funding,” says Moraka. “SALGA wishes to express sincere appreciation to the Water Research Commission for being a partner of the Masterclass and important WRP for delivering the training.” ▪
“The Masterclass is also wired to expose municipalities to tools, instruments and technological advances that they can use to reduce nonrevenue water mismanagement.” – William Moraka
VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
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2021/09/30 11:50 AM
