At a glittering gala event held in Mahikeng, North West, IOPSA and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) signed a pledge to construct efficient Local Governments through significant public-private partnerships. IOPSA was represented at this event by Faith Ratshilengo from Plumblink Mahikeng.

These partnerships aim to strengthen, empower, and build the capacity of the sector to effectively address the many challenges faced by local governments. In this regard IOPSA will continue with its efforts to improve the technical knowledge and skills of local Building Control Officers (BCO’s), Water Inspectors (WI) and other relevant municipal officials. Nearly 500 municipal officials have already been trained and the effects can already be seen. It is hoped that by improving the knowledge and skills of BCO’s they will be able to implement their by-laws more effectively especially in regard to unqualified people conducting plumbing works and non-compliant materials.

Further to these activities, SALGA has also identified the urgent need for professionalisation of the plumbers employed in local governments. Not only will this give long overdue recognition to the trade, which is so often neglected, but it will go a long way in ensuring that plumbers in the various municipalities keep up to date with the latest industry trends and ensure compliance with the various laws, regulations and standards.

The official handover of the pledge took place in Kempton Park on 28 September 2023 when Mrs Ledile Sebati, Director of Operations for SALGA handed over the signed pledge to Brendan Reynolds, Executive Director IOPSA. IOPSA would like to applaud SALGA for this bold step, and we look forward to a successful partnership.