28 February 2006 Operation Gcin'amanzi puts money back in the pockets of Sowetans Operation Gcin'amanzi, a multi-million project to upgrade municipal water infrastructure, continues to gain momentum in Soweto by saving and reducing exceptionally high unaccounted-for water as well as reducing monthly household spending on water services. 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 litres of water first and only start paying for consumption above 6000 litres). The results achieved from the Phiri prototype as well as from other areas like Naledi, Moroka, Moletsane, Protea etc, are better than anticipated. The project was launched in August 2003 with the intention of reducing the severe water losses which amounts to about 7 billion litres of water a month in Soweto alone Almost 33 000 households are now equipped with free-payment water meters The average monthly cost for water and sanitation is R39.58 against the previous flat rate charge of R149,05. Between January 2005 to January 2006, each household saved between approximately R1314.00 on average. Water, supplied to each stand has dropped from 67 000 litres per month per stand to about 10 200 per month per stand. R35.1 million has been saved on water losses to date. 13 billion litres of water has been saved to date 1 527 employment opportunities created for local labourers. Business opportunities for local SMME's worth R26 million. Further benefits of the project include the debt write-off and the indigent's policy that has been introduced by the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg to assist in addressing some of the problems faced by the majority of the poor households in Soweto. Johannesburg Water remains committed to its objective of bringing Joburg's liquid gold under better control and improving service delivery in general. Issued on behalf of Gerald T Dumas Managing Director Johannesburg Water (Pty) Limited Issued by: Jameel Chand: Senior Manager: Marketing and Communication