The water crisis facing Nelson Mandela Bay is an emergency and requires urgent intervention and action from all stakeholders – including business, especially with the city's current dam levels having reached 12.07%.
To this end, we appeal to our members to take the following actions in the intent to save water:
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Volunteer resources to support the Chamber’s Accelerated Leaks initiative. Email nicki@nmbusinesschamber.co.za.
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Reduce in-building wastage and water leaks (a number of businesses have reported that they were surprised at the number of leaks found at their own premises).
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Adopt schools and clinics, via our Adopt A School initiative, targeting those located in the red zones (i.e. the areas of the Metro which is most impacted by the water crisis). Water leaks at schools account for 10% of the overall amount of water lost in the Metro due to leaks. If you are interested contact Prince Matonsi at operations@nmbbusinesschamber.co.za
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Install aerators at your own operations and also in schools and at community venues.
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Adopt rainwater and stormwater harvesting measures at your operations.
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Replace normal taps with push-button taps.
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Support your employees to install water tanks and implement other measures at their homes
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Report water billing inaccuracies to the Municipality by e-mailing jannette@edams.co.za.
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Report water leaks to the Chamber’s Help Desk at helpdesk@nmbbusinesschamber.co.za
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On-site treatment and re-use of wastewater and or only greywater particularly for industrial users can be implemented in less than a month and can make a huge impact. If you are an industrial / manufacturing business who is interested in pursuing this route contact Lance Wightman at Schaeffler for more information - lance.wightman@schaeffler.com
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Support Gift of the Givers in aiding communities. Contact Prince Matonsi at operations@nmbbusinesschamber.co.za
We all need to pull together to heighten visibility around the water crisis and drive actions which will reduce water consumptions levels.