The Department of Water and Sanitation has announced its commitment to prioritise the completion of outstanding projects under the Bucket Eradication Programme in the Northern Cape and the Free State provinces.
THE DEPARTMENT of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has announced its commitment to prioritise the completion of outstanding projects under the Bucket Eradication Programme in the Northern Cape and the Free State provinces.
In a press briefing this week, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina outlined the department’s plans and priorities for the 2024/25 financial year.
Of the 33 projects initially included in the Bucket Eradication Programme in the Free State, 26 have already been successfully completed. This achievement translates to the eradication of approximately 32,000 bucket toilets across the province.
However, there is still work to be done. Approximately 10,000 buckets remain to be eradicated in the seven incomplete projects.
In the Northern Cape, the programme comprised 30 projects. Remarkably, 29 of these projects have been completed, resulting in the eradication of approximately 12,000 bucket toilets. Only one project remains incomplete, with 596 buckets still needing removal.
However, the minister has acknowledged the limitations of the Bucket Eradication Programme in completely eliminating the “undignified” and “repugnant” bucket system across South Africa. The programme only targets certain towns in specific provinces where buckets were identified as a sanitation challenge back in 2012.
Majodina pointed out that since the programme’s inception, other municipalities in various regions have introduced bucket systems in both formal and informal settlements.
“The eradication of buckets is therefore a moving target. In order to address this, the Cabinet has recently approved a National Sanitation Framework, which will provide the basis for the department to issue new national minimum norms and standards for sanitation that will prohibit the use of the bucket system in both formal and informal settlements,” Majodina said.
Collaborating with the Water Research Commission, the department is actively developing safe, dignified, on-site and non-sewered sanitation solutions.
“These solutions will use much less water than water-borne sewered sanitation systems, which is necessary in a water-scarce country such as South Africa. Such systems will need to be implemented by municipalities,” said Majodina.
PARTNERSHIPS
The minister further reaffirmed the department’s commitment to addressing South Africa’s water and sanitation challenges through collaborative efforts. The ministry aims to work closely with all sectors, with a particular focus on engaging the private sector.
This initiative aligns with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to enhance collaboration and social compacts across various stakeholders, including the private sector, labour unions, civil society and government bodies.
In addition to existing partnerships with mining companies for water supply projects, the department has established the Water Partnerships Office in collaboration with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the South African Local Government Association (Salga). Through this office, the ministry facilitates partnerships between the private sector and municipalities.
One critical area of focus involves addressing leaking municipal water distribution pipes, which contribute to high levels of non-revenue water. The ministry is currently actively finalising plans with municipalities such as eThekwini, Mangaung, Buffalo City, Nelson Mandela Bay and Tshwane to mobilise private sector financing for the replacement of these pipes.
WATER SERVICES AMENDMENT BILL
The department is also poised to present the Water Services Amendment Bill to the Cabinet for approval, with the intention of subsequently submitting it to Parliament.
Majodina noted that despite the department’s substantial support to municipalities, water and sanitation services at the local level continue to decline.
She explained that the proposed Amendment Bill introduces an operating licence system for Water Services Providers. This system empowers Water Services Authorities to ensure that providers meet a minimum level of capability in delivering water and sanitation services aligned with national norms and standards.
Majodina emphasised that the operating licence requirement will enhance competency among Water Services Providers.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions enabling the national department to take regulatory action against municipalities that fail to comply with the national minimum norms and standards for water services.”
Source: SAnews.gov.za
