Major stakeholders agreed to the proposed regulation and standards introduced for water fittings at a public consultation held at the BMICH recently organized by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL).
Representatives from the National Water Supply and Drainage Board stressed the importance of reducing leakage and manufacturers who were present agreed with the need for regulation.
H M I P Kulasekara, Assistant Director Construction Development Authority said they would ensure that necessary standards would be introduced to the construction industry. “Our institution is responsible for setting suitable standards for contractors. Water fittings standards are currently set out in the building works volume 2. The proposed foreign codes can be included in our books in a suitable manner and within the Construction Industry Development Act, a supplier registration category has also been included for sanitary fittings.”
Kirthivan Koltvan, Director S-Lon, said with regard to the proposed standards, “we are not alone. There a lot of models internationally; Singapore has a National Water Agency and a certification scheme in Australia. You may have your own idea but when it is not implemented by the next organization you run into trouble. A uniform policy has to be applied.”
S Ellapitawatte, Engineer at National PVC said “we learned that the handles on certain ball valves, when placed in the sun for long periods, begins to crack. Some valves are unable to handle water pressure. We set out to create a product in the market that completely solves this problem. We feel that instead of creating a new standard we can further amend previous standards.”
Sarath Gamini, Chief Engineer NWS with reference to the market said “anyone can bring anything. Cheap things also have a cost. There is water contamination. We must all come together as a team.”
R Salgado, engineer NWS said “because of leaks other people are not getting water. We need pressure to move water.” Geethanjali Gunathilake of the Research and Development of NWS referring to a study done in Moratuwa said “only 2% had pressure tested their system. 90% of those polled recommended regulating fittings but were concerned of the cost implications.”
Multiple speakers spoke of the lack of plumbing expertise in the marketplace. Gamini said, “Plumbing courses close due to lack of participation.”
Dilrukshi Herath, Assistant Director Tertiary, and Vocational Educational Commission said that they design courses based on labor market demand. Herath added, “National Vocational Qualifications up to level 4 for plumbing are available.”
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