Area Plumbers Join Forces To Educate Consumers And Fight HIV/Aids
A pioneering programme led by plumbers in the Knysna area is set to become a nationwide model for raising money to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS.
The programme won't only raise money for charity. It will also help ensure that installations and replacements of hot water geysers in the Knysna area -- and the rest of South Africa -- comply with the amended Water Services Act which took effect in 2001.
"The goal is to create awareness among consumers about the possibility that their geysers may not be covered by their insurance, since the geysers may not comply with the standards," said John van der Merwe of On Tap Plumbers in Sedgefield, the organiser of the programme. "And by making this part of AIDS awareness, we're saying that there is a problem with AIDS in our industry and in the community and we need to do something about it."
Already the programme, which van der Merwe developed in cooperation with the Institute of Plumbing SA, or IOP(SA), is set to raise at least R3,200 for Knysna AIDS Council, with more expected soon.
The Water Services Act sets standards for geysers designed to protect homeowners against faulty workmanship that could result in leaks, blockages and even personal injury. To make sure the standards are enforced, member plumbers of IOP(SA) are authorised to issue compliance certificates for
their installations/replacements. Geysers without these certificates may be illegal.
Here's how the programme works:
When homeowners or developers of new homes need plumbing work, they are encouraged to contact IPO(SA) for a list of registered plumbers and contractors. Using a registered IPO(SA) member will help consumers avoid unqualified "cowboys" whose work will probably be shoddy and perhaps
illegal.
A plumber approved by IPO(SA) should be able to provide three things: a card providing proof of membership in IOP(SA), a geyser installation checklist, and a plumbing compliance certificate, which will be issued once the plumber
has determined that the project meets the provisions of the Water Services Act.
The cost of each checklist is R70 per installation or replacement. IOP(SA) will donate half this amount (R35) to AIDS-related charities.
Homeowners with geysers installed since 2001 have 18 months to bring their installations up to standard. Those with older geysers are grandfathered in under the old standards, but must ensure that any new installations or repairs meet the amended 2001 Act.
Van der Merwe gave details about the programme to Garden Route plumbers and contractors at a meeting in Sedgefield on 16 November. Since then, he has received 93 inquiries, with most of those coming from the new Island Village
housing development. Van der Merwe plans other meetings in the area soon so more consumers and contractors can learn about the programme.
Eventually, IPO(SA) plans to roll out the programme nationwide so other consumers and HIV/AIDS organisations can benefit.
Founded in 1988, the Institute of Plumbing SA, is the only Association in South Africa representing Manufacturers, Merchants, Plumbers and Plumbing Contractors. IOP(SA) registers plumbing contractors and plumbers annually,
to provide consumers and authorities with a live listing of contractors and installers.
Consumers can phone Jenny Calmeyer at IPO(SA) on 011-477-4563 for qualified plumbers in their area.
A pioneering programme led by plumbers in the Knysna area is set to become a nationwide model for raising money to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS.
The programme won't only raise money for charity. It will also help ensure that installations and replacements of hot water geysers in the Knysna area -- and the rest of South Africa -- comply with the amended Water Services Act which took effect in 2001.
"The goal is to create awareness among consumers about the possibility that their geysers may not be covered by their insurance, since the geysers may not comply with the standards," said John van der Merwe of On Tap Plumbers in Sedgefield, the organiser of the programme. "And by making this part of AIDS awareness, we're saying that there is a problem with AIDS in our industry and in the community and we need to do something about it."
Already the programme, which van der Merwe developed in cooperation with the Institute of Plumbing SA, or IOP(SA), is set to raise at least R3,200 for Knysna AIDS Council, with more expected soon.
The Water Services Act sets standards for geysers designed to protect homeowners against faulty workmanship that could result in leaks, blockages and even personal injury. To make sure the standards are enforced, member plumbers of IOP(SA) are authorised to issue compliance certificates for
their installations/replacements. Geysers without these certificates may be illegal.
Here's how the programme works:
When homeowners or developers of new homes need plumbing work, they are encouraged to contact IPO(SA) for a list of registered plumbers and contractors. Using a registered IPO(SA) member will help consumers avoid unqualified "cowboys" whose work will probably be shoddy and perhaps
illegal.
A plumber approved by IPO(SA) should be able to provide three things: a card providing proof of membership in IOP(SA), a geyser installation checklist, and a plumbing compliance certificate, which will be issued once the plumber
has determined that the project meets the provisions of the Water Services Act.
The cost of each checklist is R70 per installation or replacement. IOP(SA) will donate half this amount (R35) to AIDS-related charities.
Homeowners with geysers installed since 2001 have 18 months to bring their installations up to standard. Those with older geysers are grandfathered in under the old standards, but must ensure that any new installations or repairs meet the amended 2001 Act.
Van der Merwe gave details about the programme to Garden Route plumbers and contractors at a meeting in Sedgefield on 16 November. Since then, he has received 93 inquiries, with most of those coming from the new Island Village
housing development. Van der Merwe plans other meetings in the area soon so more consumers and contractors can learn about the programme.
Eventually, IPO(SA) plans to roll out the programme nationwide so other consumers and HIV/AIDS organisations can benefit.
Founded in 1988, the Institute of Plumbing SA, is the only Association in South Africa representing Manufacturers, Merchants, Plumbers and Plumbing Contractors. IOP(SA) registers plumbing contractors and plumbers annually,
to provide consumers and authorities with a live listing of contractors and installers.
Consumers can phone Jenny Calmeyer at IPO(SA) on 011-477-4563 for qualified plumbers in their area.
