Water is life and at LIXIL Africa we are passionate about water. We are also really passionate, about people and helping them respect and save water.
Andy Camphausen, Public Affairs Officer at LIXIL Africa, says, “We have recently embarked with the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) on their Water and Sanitation Community Forums programme with an objective to raise awareness and educate community members within rural society on various water and sanitation initiatives.”
In 2015, DWS embarked on the Community Forum Programme with the objective to circumvent the frustration in rural communities. In 2018 LIXIL Africa joined the DWS Community Forum Programme by inviting three provinces which included Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga communities as a pilot a water saving training programme. This proved to be a great success and has now resulted in commitment to roll out to the rest of the forums over a 3 year period.
The key message being shared at these forums - is that it is up to each individual to act responsibly and save water, changing habitats and the perception that it is only government or private business responsibility.
“The forum has a 3 tiered approach, which includes; Water, Sanitation and Environment. As LIXIL Africa we can give solutions to Water and Sanitation specifically through our strong local iconic brands Vaal Sanitaryware and Cobra”, adds Camphausen.
The forums kicked off in April 2019, and community members are being trained on how to change a tap washer and basic water saving principles which include a toilet cisterns. The municipalities are divided into wards. A spokesperson per ward and the community forum members are typically invited so that they can empower their residents living in their part of the ward or community.
“Through this campaign we have built strong relationships with the various municipalities, mayors, ward counsellors and district water and sanitation offices, assisting to ensure we are all working towards one aligned objective.
The program is already starting to show positive results and we are hoping to play our part in positively impacts society as a whole.” says Camphausen.
DWS Spokesperson concludes, “We are proud to have LIXIL Africa as our key partner on this project and believe that we create powerful change and upliftment in our rural communities through strong private and public partnerships such as these”.