Engineering News and Mining Weekly
Pipe network needs upgrading – association
Industry body Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (Sappma) is calling for government to prioritise an investment in plastic pipes as a sustainable solution to South Africa’s water infrastructure challenges.
The association highlights its presence as a key player, representing 80% of the local pipes industry, whose aim it is to uphold the highest standards for plastic pipes. Sappma outlines the advantages of plastic pipes in that they are metal-free, reduce friction loss, lower energy consumption and bring about a smaller environmental footprint.
Sappma alludes to the importance of enacting legislation that ensures the realisation of the constitutional right of access to sufficient water coupled with promoting conservation and sustainable development.
The association laments the appearance of degraded pipes that have surpassed their natural life span as a pressing challenge facing South Africa’s water infrastructure, resulting in the yearly loss of millions of litres. The association calls for the use of locally manufactured plastic pipes that comply with local and international standards.
“Polyvinyl chloride and high density polyenthylene pipes that bear the Sappma mark guarantee a life span of more than 50 years. This longevity not only safeguards water resources but also aligns with the constitutional imperative to ensure access to water for all citizens,” says Sappma CEO
Jan Venter.
“The intersection of National Water Week, Human Rights Day, World Water Day, and Earth Hour serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of water, human rights and environmental sustainability.
Sappma’s advocacy for reliable water infrastructure, grounded in high-quality plastic pipes, is a step towards securing South Africa’s water future,” Venter concludes.