The South African Industry and Technology (Indutec) Fair 2013 is expected to showcase new technologies that can boost food production, improve infrastructure, upgrade sanitation facilities and facilitate the provision of healthcare, thereby improving the quality of life in developing countries, Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (Sappma) chairperson Jan Venter tells Engineering News.

“The plastic piping, valves and related industries are strategic industries that need to manufacture, install and maintain hardware that is reliable for extended periods. Long-term product quality is fundamental and high-quality pipe should be good for a minimum of 50 years, according to industry standards. “We would, therefore, encourage our members and other similar associations and their members to attend Indutec to learn about best practices and the latest technological developments and attain knowledge on the highest in international standards so as to strengthen our industry,” says Venter.

He adds that global warming is becoming an increasingly important topic on the political and public agenda, which is heavily linked to developments in science and technology and blamed by many for the pollution that contributes to global warming.

“Technological developments may also provide the solution to environmental challenges. We also need to continue to look at technology to alleviate our carbon footprint, which results from the manufacturing process. One of the principal reasons behind the significant gap between the developing world and the developed world is a lack of advanced technology,” states Venter.

The developed world is heavily reliant on technology, which makes life easier and production more efficient, he notes, adding that the lack of advanced technology in developing countries, like South Africa, contributes to the widespread poverty and lack of basic amenities such as clean, running water and food supplies.

“Fortunately, new research is being carried out to improve the systems involved in the modern world. New systems of removing waste and improving the effici- ency of the distribution of water, for example, will benefit many people in the future, as this will give them access to clean drinking water,” says Venter.

Sappma will use Indutec, which takes place at the Gallagher Convention Centre, in Midrand, Johannesburg, from May 14 to 16, as a forum to highlight the work the association does and the importance of the piping and water industry to South Africa as a whole, he says.

“Sappma will be exhibiting at the fair and will distribute information relating to the association’s vision and objectives, as well as the benefits of being a member of the association,” concludes Venter.