15 August, 2005 Press Release Operation Gcin'amanzi gains momentum in Soweto The implementation of Operation Gcin'amanzi, a multi-million project to upgrade municipal water infrastructure, continue to gain momentum in Soweto. This follows the successful completion of the Phiri prototype project where 99% of residents have opted for the installation of free-payment meters (free-6000 liters of water first and only start paying for consumption above 6000l). The project was launched in August 2003 with the intention of reducing the severe water losses which amounts to about 7 billion liters of water a month in Soweto alone. As part of the project the following interventions have been implemented: Replacing and upgrading the water reticulation pipes Repairing of leaking household plumbing fixtures Metering of properties with a free-pay meter to allow for the monthly dispensing of free 6000 l per stand and then paying based on actual consumption thereafter Creation of employment opportunities to assist in the roll out of these measures and provide skills An intensive education and awareness programme is part and parcel of the project to ensure community understanding of the project and instill awareness on customer rights and obligations, within the context of the project. More than 365 community facilitators from the affected communities have been employed and trained to carry out door to door consultation with home owners prior to the installation of free-pay meters. This compliments the community and wards meetings that are held regularly by local ward councilors. The education and consultation interventions are paying off: To date more than 21 000 households are now equipped with free-payment water meters. Water, supplied to each stand has dropped from 66 000 liters per month per stand to about 11 000 per month per stand. Approximately R10,6 million has been saved on water losses. 4,016,221 kl (over 4 billion) liters of water has been saved to date And 1 527 employment opportunities created for local labourers. Average water consumption and payment levels in the areas are that 57% of customers are using more than the free 6kl basic water allocation, and only spending R40.56 per month. Further benefits of the project include the debt write-off and the indigent's policy that has recently been introduced by the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg. Plans are already underway to prepare for the next phase of the macro project targeting a further 30 000 households. As the project roll-out gains momentum, the after-care support programme will be intensified to ensure that a more efficient customer care and complaints handling process is in place. Johannesburg Water remains committed to its objective of bringing Joburg's liquid gold under better control and improving service delivery in general. With measures like these, it is the customers who are sure to be the main beneficiaries, in this case Soweto customers. Issued on behalf of Gerald T Dumas Managing Director Johannesburg Water (Pty) Limited Issued by: Jameel Chand Senior Manager: Marketing and Communication 688 1666 082 452 0694