The Gauteng Department of Economic Development on Friday launched a pilot programme to roll out Eco Car Wash machines to township car washes.
The first phase has seen 20 township businesses receiving these machines at an event held at Vumisa’s Car Wash in Sebokeng.
MEC Lebogang Maile says the main objective of this initiative is to revitalise township economies.
“The car wash industry is worth R1 billion. We want to cater for the mushrooming car washes in our townships,” says Maile.
The department has spent R70 000 per machine for the first phase of the programme and they believe the spin-offs of this project will be worth the money. Maile says the programme has already started creating jobs.
“These machines are operated by two people. We expect 40 people to benefit from this pilot programme, the success of which will see us rolling it out across Gauteng,” Maile adds.
One of the benefits is that it will assist in water conservation.
“We have been assured that this machine uses minimal water,” says Maile.
The producers of the Machine, Eco Wash, claim their machines use one litre to wash 20 cars.
This initiative is the brainchild of the department’s partners, Thandolwethu Investment, who will be assigning mentors to the recipients of the machines.
The company’s director, Victor Ndlovu, says the programme will assist the car-wash owners to generate income.
“We are providing opportunities for the car-wash owners to operate their business in a sustainable way,” says Ndlovu.
Recipient Vumisa Ndlovu, 37, says the Eco Wash machine will allow him to expand his customer base and bring him more income.
“I am happy to receive this machine. My car wash is now mobile and I can take my business to where my customers are,” says Ndlovu.
Saturday Star