3 March 2004 Press Release Operation Gcin'amanzi ­ saving water and improving service delivery In September 2003, the City of Johannesburg launched a project aimed at conserving water and improving service delivery through the upgrading of the water infrastructure. The focus of this initiative is the Greater Soweto area. The R450 million-project known as “Operation Gcin amanzi” seeks to address problems of the ageing water infrastructure. The objective is to substantially reduce water wastage or unaccounted for water, both on private property and within the municipal network. Soweto is losing up to 7 billion litres of water every month through this ageing and leaking infrastructure. This intervention will save the ratepayers of Johannesburg more than R158 million a year. Through this project the city has taken an important step that will ensure the renewal of the water networks, its maintenance and the installation of a water meter in each property. Over the past six months, Johannesburg Water, the city's water utility, has begun a process that will not only see old pipes being replaced with the new infrastructure, but the repairs of taps, toilets and related faulty facilities. All the costs will be borne by Johannesburg Water. The final stage will be the installation of free-pay meters in each home to assist consumers with the management of their water consumption and ensure that the city is able to provide the 6000 litre of free water to all residents. All of this has been preceded by an extensive process of consultation with the affected communities. To date, almost all residents have signed up for the installation of the meters and have entered into a service delivery contract with Johannesburg Water. In Stretford Extension 4 in Orange Farm where pre-payment was earlier introduced, our figures show that 75% of households consume less than the 6 000 litres of free water per month that is allocated to them. This means that these consumers currently receive all their water absolutely free. A further 24% of consumers pay less than R30 a month for water and sanitation - leaving only two out every 100 households paying more than R30 a month. The Orange Farm Stretford experience has shown that a meter system is the most effective way for residents to receive the free 6Kl of water and take ownership of their own water consumption. We wish to express our appreciation to the residents of Phiri for their ongoing support, patience and understanding during the process of installation. We are confident that they will soon enjoy the full benefits of this initiative. Together, we can indeed ensure that there is a better tomorrow. ENDS Contact person: Nthatisi Modingoane at 082 467 9228 or Jameel Chand at 082 452 0694 Nthatisi Modingoane Media Liaison Officer CITY OF JOHANNESBURG Tel: (011) 407 7354 Fax: 403 3494 Cell: 082 467 9228 E-mail: nthatisem@joburg.org.za