ii
Contents
CalltoAction.....................................................................................................................1
1. Addressingthecrisis......................................................................................................................2
2. Buildingawatersecurefuture.......................................................................................................7
Section1:WaterandSanitationManagement...................................................................9
3. Reducingwaterdemandandincreasingsupply............................................................................9
3.1 Statusquo...........................................................................................................................................93.2 Drivers...............................................................................................................................................123.3 Keyactions........................................................................................................................................15
4. Redistributingwaterfortransformation.....................................................................................17
4.1 Statusquo.........................................................................................................................................174.2 Drivers...............................................................................................................................................174.3 KeyActions.......................................................................................................................................18
5. Managingeffectivewaterandsanitationservices......................................................................19
5.1 Statusquo.........................................................................................................................................195.2 Drivers...............................................................................................................................................215.3 KeyActions.......................................................................................................................................22
6. Regulatingthewaterandsanitationsector.................................................................................26
6.1 StatusQuo........................................................................................................................................266.2 Drivers...............................................................................................................................................266.3 KeyActions.......................................................................................................................................27
7. Improvingrawwaterquality........................................................................................................30
7.1 Statusquo.........................................................................................................................................307.2 Drivers...............................................................................................................................................317.3 KeyActions.......................................................................................................................................31
8. Protectingandrestoringecologicalinfrastructure......................................................................34
8.1 Statusquo.........................................................................................................................................348.2 Drivers...............................................................................................................................................358.3 KeyActions.......................................................................................................................................37
Section2:EnablingEnvironment.....................................................................................38
9. Creatingeffectivewatersectorinstitutions.................................................................................38
9.1 Statusquo.........................................................................................................................................389.2 Drivers...............................................................................................................................................399.3 KeyActions.......................................................................................................................................41
10. Managingdataandinformation..................................................................................................43
10.1 Statusquo.........................................................................................................................................43
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10.2 Drivers...............................................................................................................................................4410.3 KeyActions.......................................................................................................................................45
11. Buildingcapacityforaction..........................................................................................................45
11.1 StatusQuo........................................................................................................................................4511.2 Drivers...............................................................................................................................................4611.3 KeyActions.......................................................................................................................................46
12. EnsuringFinancialSustainability..................................................................................................47
12.1 StatusQuo........................................................................................................................................4712.2 Drivers...............................................................................................................................................5012.3 KeyActions.......................................................................................................................................51
13. Amendingthelegislation.............................................................................................................53
13.1 Statusquo.........................................................................................................................................5313.2 Drivers...............................................................................................................................................5313.3 Actions..............................................................................................................................................54
14. EnhancingResearch,developmentandinnovation.....................................................................55
14.1 Statusquo.........................................................................................................................................5514.2 Drivers...............................................................................................................................................5614.3 KeyActions.......................................................................................................................................56
Readyforthefutureandaheadofthecurve–LET’SDOIT!.............................................59
Summaryofactions.........................................................................................................62
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Figures and Tables Figure1:OverviewoftheNW&SMPCalltoActionstructure...............................................................6
Figure2:PhilosophyoftheNW&SMP...................................................................................................7
Figure3:Currentwaterusebysector.................................................................................................10
Figure4:Municipalwaterusedemandtargetsandactualineightlargewatersupplysystems........11
Figure5:Plannedshiftsinwatermixforshorttomediumterm........................................................13
Figure6:Accesstopiped,RDPandreliableRDPwatersupply...........................................................20
Figure7:Reliabilityofwaterservicesperprovince.............................................................................21
Figure8:DifferenttypesofWaterQualityproblemsacrossSouthAfrica...........................................30
Figure9:DeteriorationofecologicalconditionofSouthAfricanrivers,1999–2011.........................34
Figure10:EcologicalconditionofSouthAfricanwetlands,2011........................................................35
Figure11:Strategicwatersourceareas..............................................................................................36
Figure12:Plannedinstitutionalarrangementsforthewatersector..................................................40
Table1:Provisionalnationalwaterbalancewithandwithoutcriticalinterventions.........................14
v
List of Acronyms AMD AcidMineDrainage
COGTA DepartmentofCooperativeGovernanceandTraditionalAffairs
CMAs CatchmentManagementAgencies
DPME DepartmentofPlanning,MonitoringandEvaluation
DWS DepartmentofWaterandSanitation
DAFF DepartmentofAgriculture,ForestryandFisheries
DoE DepartmentofEnergy
DIRCO DepartmentofInternationalRelationsandCooperation
DM DistrictMunicipality
DMR DepartmentofMineralResources
DST DepartmentofScienceandTechnology
DTI DepartmentofTradeandIndustry
DRDLR DepartmentofRuralDevelopmentandLandReform
ELU ExistingLawfulUse
EWSETA EnergyandWaterSectorEducationandTrainingAuthority
GWS GovernmentWaterScheme
IB IrrigationBoard
IUCMA Inkomati-UsuthuCatchmentManagementAgency
LHWP LesothoHighlandsWaterProject
LWRMI LocalWaterResourceManagementInstitution
MFMA MunicipalFinanceManagementAct
MISA MunicipalInfrastructureSupportAgent
MuSSA MunicipalServicesSelf-Assessment
NDP NationalDevelopmentPlan
NGO Non-GovernmentalOrganisation
NMIU NationalMonitoring&ImplementationUnit
NT NationalTreasury
NWA NationalWaterAct
NW&SMP NationalWaterandSanitationMasterPlan
NWRS NationalWaterResourceStrategy
NWRSA NationalWaterResourcesandServicesAuthority
NWRSR NationalWaterResourcesandServicesRegulator
NWSRSS NationalWaterandSanitationResourcesandServicesStrategy
vi
PFMA PublicFinanceManagementAct
RDI Research,DevelopmentandInnovation
RDP ReconstructionandDevelopmentProgramme
SAAWU SouthAfricanAssociationofWaterUtilities
SABS SouthAfricanBureauofStandards
SALGA SouthAfricanLocalGovernmentAssociation
SANBI SouthAfricanNationalBiodiversityInstitute
SAWS SouthAfricanWeatherService
SOE StateOwnedEnterprise
TCTA TransCaledonTunnelAuthority
WRC WaterResearchCommission
WRMI WaterResourceManagementInstitution
WSA WaterServicesAuthority
WSP WaterServicesProvider
WUA WaterUserAssociation
WTW WaterTreatmentWorks
WWTW WasteWaterTreatmentWorks
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Firstly,thevaluesoftheConstitutionincludethoseofhumandignity,theachievementofequalityandtheadvancementofhumanrightsandfreedoms.
Secondly,theConstitutionstatesthateveryonehastherighttoanenvironmentthatis notharmfultotheirhealthorwell-being;andtohavetheenvironmentprotected,forthebenefitofpresentandfuturegenerations,throughreasonablelegislativeandothermeasuresthat
i) preventpollutionandecologicaldegradation
ii) promoteconservation;and
iii) secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promotingjustifiableeconomicandsocialdevelopment.
Thirdly,theConstitutionstatesthateveryonehastherighttohaveaccesstosufficientfoodandwater.
Fourthly, the Constitution states that the property clause may not impede the state from takingmeasurestoachieveland,waterandrelatedreform,toredresstheresultsofpastracialdiscrimination.
Theseconstitutional imperatives, combinedwith thenationalwaterandsanitationpolicypapers, theNationalWaterActandtheWaterServicesAct,givethemandatetothewatersectorto:
• Provideuniversalandequitableaccesstoreliablewatersupplyandsanitationservices
• Protect,manageanddevelopthenation’swaterresourcesinamannerthatsupportsjustifiableandecologicallysustainableeconomicandsocialdevelopment
• Transformaccesstowatertoredresstheracialimbalancescreatedbyapartheid.
Call to Action TheConstitutionof SouthAfrican contains several provisions that givedirection to thewater andsanitationsector.
Despitetheseconstitutionalprovisions,thecountry isfacingsignificantchallengesinachievingthismandate.
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1 Addressingthecrisis
SouthAfrica is facingawatercrisiscausedby insufficientwaterinfrastructuremaintenanceand investment, recurrentdroughtsdriven by climatic variation, inequities in access to water andsanitation,deterioratingwaterquality,andalackofskilledwaterengineers. This crisis is already having significant impacts oneconomic growth and on the well-being of everyone in SouthAfrica.
These impacts will be exacerbated if it is notaddressed.InApril201714,1millionpeoplestillusedsanitation facilities below the Reconstruction andDevelopmentProgramme (RDP) standard.Only 10,3million households (64%) have access to reliablewatersupply.
Approximately 56% of the over 1 150 municipalwastewater treatment works (WWTWs) andapproximately 44% of the 962 water treatmentworks(WTWs)inthecountryareinapoororcriticalcondition and in need of urgent rehabilitation andskilled operators. Some11%of this infrastructure iscompletelydysfunctional.
Between1999and2011theextentofmainrivers inSouth Africa classified as having a poor ecologicalcondition increased by 500%, with some riverspushedbeyondthepointofrecovery.
SouthAfricahaslostover50%ofitswetlands,andofthe remaining 3.2million hectares (ha), that is, onethirdarealreadyinapoorcondition.
Only5%of thewaterthat isused intheagriculturalsectorisusedbyblackfarmers.
Water is severely under-priced and cost recovery isnot being achieved. To achieve water security, anestimated capital funding gap of around R33 billionper annum for the next 10 years must be closedthrough, a combination of improved revenuegenerationandasignificantreductionofcosts.
This Call to Action of the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan (NW&SMP) is a concisesummationof the toppriority issues confronting thewater and sanitation sector at this timeandwhichseekstorallyallwatersectorstakeholdersinSouthAfricatoworktogetherinordertoensurethat the country gets ahead of the curve in relation to both current and future challenges. This
Over3millionpeoplestilldonothaveaccess to a basicwater supply serviceand 14.1 million people do not haveaccesstosafesanitation.
Only 64% of households have accesstoareliablewatersupplyservice
56% of waste water treatmentworksand44%ofwatertreatmentworksareinapooror critical condition. 11%aredysfunctional
More than 50% of South Africa’swetlandshavebeen lost,andof thosethat remain, 33% are in poorecologicalcondition
Only 5% of agricultural water used isbyblackfarmers41% of municipal water does notgeneraterevenue.35%is lostthroughleakage
Municipalities are losing about 1660million m³ per year through non-revenuewater.AtaunitcostofR6/m³thisamountstoR9.9billioneachyear
R33 billion more is needed each yearfor thenext 10years toachievewatersecurity
SouthAfricaCANavoidaprojected17%waterdeficitby2030bytakingbold
actiontoday!
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includesensuringthatby2030andbeyondSouthAfricahasasufficientreserveofsupplytotakeitsafelyintothefuture,thatacceleratedprogresstowardsmeetingConstitutionalimperativesismadeand that service delivery commitments, such asmeeting SustainableDevelopmentGoal 6:Ensureaccesstowaterandsanitationforallisachieved.
Intermsofstructure,theNW&SMPconsistsofthreevolumes:
Volume One of the NW&SMP is this Call to Action which sets out the critical priorities to beaddressed by the water sector in the period from 2018 –2030.Theseprioritiesareclusteredintotwosections,namely,Water and Sanitation Management and EnablingEnvironment.Eachof thesesectionshavesix sub-sectionsasindicated inFigure 1 below. Each section includes the initialidentificationofcriticalactionsthat,when implemented,willhave a significant impact on addressing the crisis. Theseactionsarecollatedat thebackof thisdocument foreaseofreference.
Volume 2 of the NW&SMP is the Plan to Action whichprovidesthebasisfor,andamoredetailedanalysisof,thekeyissuesunderpinningtheCalltoAction.
Volume3isaScheduleofActions.ThepurposeofVolume3istoorderanddefineallactionsandinterventions identified within Volume 1 and Volume 2 of the NW&SMP into annual measurableoutcomes inclusiveof rolesand responsibilities, time framesandassociatedestimatedcosts.DWShasworkedwithkeysectorpartnerstodevelopthefirstdraftofthisVolume,andwillcontinuetowork with sector partners to refine this schedule, through meaningful engagement. SignificantprogresshasbeenmadetodefineKey(orLevel1)actionsforeacharea,supportedbySupporting(orLevel2)actions.Foreaseofreference,Level1and2actionstogetherwiththespecificnumberingforeachaction,ascontained inVolume3, is recorded in theactionsummary tablesat theendofeachsectionofthisdocument.
TheCalltoActionprovidedthebasisforcomprehensive
engagementwithwatersectorpartnersbyDWSinlate2017
continuinginto2018inordertosecurestakeholderagreementonthecriticalchallengesconfronting
thesectoratthistime[StakeholderengagementreportavailablefromDWSonrequest].
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TheMasterPlanalsoidentifieshowperformancewillbemonitored.Asaplan,ratherthanastrategyorpolicy, theprioritisedactionswithresponsibilitiesaredetailedagainstwhichrelevantplayers inthesectorcanbeheldaccountablebyCabinet,Parliamentandthepublic.
ThisMasterPlanisdrivenbyasenseofurgencyandthereforearticulatestheprioritisedactionsandinvestmentsthecountrymust implement between now and 2030 to overcomechallenges and ensure a water secure future supportinginclusivedevelopmentacross the country. This action is also
necessary to ensure that universal sanitation coverage protects the health of our people. Actionshavebeenprioritisedaccordingtothelevelofimpactthattheyareexpectedtodeliverintermsofdriving towards a water secure future for all. As the implementation of the NW&SMP will bereviewed and reported on annually, it is considered a `living plan' andwill therefore, beupdatedutilising an adaptive management approach. The NW&SMP is the implementation plan for theNationalWaterandSanitationResourcesandServicesStrategy(NWSRSS)1whichisreviewedeveryfiveyears.
In March 2018, the Minister: Water and Sanitationannounced his intention to focus the work of theDepartmentonthefollowingfivestrategicpillars,whichconfirmedthesupportofthepoliticalleadershipoftheDepartmentforthisground-breakinginitiative.Thefivestrategicpillarsare:
• National Water Resources and ServicesAuthority(NWRSA);
• National Water Resources and ServicesRegulator(NWRSR);
• WaterResourcesandServicesValueChain;
• WaterResourcesandServicesMasterPlan;and
• Institutional Rationalisation and OrganisationalAlignment.
InkeepingwiththisMinisterialfocus,andfollowingthecomprehensive stakeholder engagement on thedevelopment of the Master Plan, the Minister: Waterand Sanitation tabled the Master Plan for noting byCabineton27June2018.
The Master Plan was well-received, with Cabinet alsosupporting the mobilisation of a detailed planningprocessinthesectorutilisingthePhakisaplanningmethodology.CabinetagreedthattheNW&SMPwillserveasthebasisforthePhakisaonWaterandSanitation,anticipatedinlate2018.
1RefertotheNWRS1and2andtheNWRSSScurrentlyunderdevelopment
AllvolumesoftheNW&SMPareavailablefordownloadat
www.dws.gov.za
AboutPhakisa(“Hurryup”)
TheGovernmentofSouthAfrica,ledbythePresidency,adoptedtheMalaysianBigFastResults(BFR)problem-solvingmethodologyin2013.TheBFRmethodologyfacilitatesthedevelopmentofdetailedplanswithastrongtheoryofchange,aswellasstrongmonitoring,evaluation,reporting,andaccountabilityframeworkswhichareessentialforthesuccessfulimplementationofnationalgoalsandpriorities.TheadoptionofthismethodologyisdesignedtofasttracktheimplementationofsolutionsoncriticaldeliveryissueshighlightedintheNationalDevelopmentPlan(NDP).Overallco-ordinationofPhakisaisvestedintheDepartmentofPerformanceMonitoringandEvaluation(DPME),whowillpartnerwithDWStomobiliseandmanagethisground-breakinginitiativeinthewatersector.
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ThePhakisaonWaterandSanitationwillprovidethewatersectorwithanopportunitytoaddresstheissuesconfrontingthewaterandsanitationsectoringreaterdepth.Theresultsofthisin-depthplanningprocesswillbecapturedinupdatestoboththeNW&SMPandtheNWSRSS,andwillsteerthesectortowardsasustainable,equitableandsecurewaterfuture.
TheDWSwillwork closelywith theDPMEPhakisa team tomobilise thisplanning initiative,whichalsoheraldsarenewedcommitmenttotheadoptionofasector-wideapproachinthewatersector.A soon to be established DWS Programme Management Unit (Delivery Unit) will drive theimplementationofthePhakisaactionplan.
Thefollowingactionsnecessarytogiveeffecttothesepriorities,arerecordedinVolume3:
Action2 Responsibility CompletiondatePhakisaonwaterandsanitationtobeheld(Volume3,Action2.7.1)
DWS,DPME Firstquarter2019/20
Determine cost required to implement NW&SMP andidentify where reprioritisation or cost savings can beusedtoaddresstheNW&SMPpriorities(2.7.2)
DWS,WSAs 2019
Appoint skilled Management, Technical andProgrammeManagerstaffforDeliveryUnit(2.7.3)
DWS 2019
Monitor, review, evaluate, report on and updateNW&SMP(2.7.4)
DWS Annual report toParliament
2Whereactionsapplytomorethanonechapter,theyhavebeenduplicatedintheactiontablesattheendoftherelevantchapters.AllactionsaresummarisedinatableattheendoftheCalltoAction,withoutthisduplication.
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Figure1:OverviewoftheNW&SMPCalltoActionstructure
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2 Buildingawatersecurefuture
TheNW&SMP isbasedon fivekeyobjectives thatdefinea ‘newnormal’ forwaterand sanitationmanagementinSouthAfrica:
• Resilientandfit-for-usewatersupply;• Universalwaterandsanitationprovision;• Equitablesharingandallocationofwaterresources;• Effectiveinfrastructuremanagement,operationandmaintenance;and• Reductioninfuturewaterdemand.
ThesefiveobjectivesenabletheachievementoftheNationalDevelopmentPlan’s (NDP)Visionfor2030,ofaffordableandreliableaccesstosufficientandsafewaterandhygienicsanitationforsocio-economicgrowthandwell-being,withdueregardtotheenvironment.
Figure2:PhilosophyoftheNW&SMP
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AchievingthisNDPvisionofawatersecurefutureisoneofthebiggestchallengesfacingSouthAfricainthe21stcentury. It isacriticalelementofachievingsocialwell-beingandsustainableeconomicgrowth.
South Africa is facing increasing water demands to meet the needs of a rapidly growing andurbanisingpopulation,changinglifestyles,andeconomicgrowth.Atthesametime,climatechangeisdrivingthecountrytowardsawarmeranddrierfuture,withpredictedlongerandmoreextremedroughts,andmoreintensefloods.Climatechangemeansthattherewillbelesswateravailabletomeetwaterneeds.
Achievingwater security inSouthAfrica requiresanewnormal:asignificantparadigmshiftthat
• recognisesthelimitationsofwateravailability
• addressestherealvalueofwater• ensuresequitableaccesstolimitedwater
resources• deliversreliablewaterandsanitationservices
toall• focusesondemandmanagementand
alternativesourcesofwater• considerstheimpactsofclimatechangeand• addressesdecliningrawwaterquality.
Toachievethis,decision-makingwillbebasedonsoundevidence,supportedbyrigorousresearch,innovationandappropriatetechnologydevelopment.
The water sector will enforce regulation through accountable and effective leadership, to ensurethatthewatersectormeetstherequirementsofacurrentandfutureSouthAfricaandthatdemandisbroughtinlinewithavailablewatersupply.
Workingtogether,governmentdepartments,theprivatesectorandcivilsocietywillimplementthenecessary actions to achieve financial sustainability, functional infrastructure and institutions, fairandsustainablewateruse,anduniversalwatersupplyandsanitationprovision.
ImplementationofthisplanwillenableSouthAfricatobecomemoreresilienttoclimatechangeandthe increasing intensity of droughts and floods, while meeting the water needs of a growingpopulationandeconomy.
Thenewreality:• Waterwillbecomemore
expensive• Everyone(exceptthose
withoutaccesstopipedwater)MUSTuselesswaterforthesameactivities
• Everyone-excepttheindigent-MUSTpayforwaterandsanitationservices
Toachievewatersecurity,allwaterusersinallsectorsinSouthAfricamustusewatermoreefficiently,andwaterusemustbeaddressedintheplansofthemunicipal,energy,agriculture,forestry,miningandindustrialsectors.SouthAfricahasnootheroption,ifthe
countryistobeREADYFORTHEFUTUREANDAHEADOFTHECURVE.
Toachievesafesanitationforallandprotectthequalityofourwaterresources,allinstitutionsresponsibleforsanitationservicesprovisionmustensurerapideradicationofthebacklog,informedchoiceofappropriatetechnologies,andeffectiveoperationand
maintenanceofinfrastructure.
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Ifdemandcontinuestogrowatcurrentlevels,thedeficitbetweenwatersupplyanddemandcouldbebetween2,7and3,8billionm3/aby2030,agapofabout17%ofavailable
surfaceandgroundwater.
Section 1: Water and Sanitation Management
3 Reducingwaterdemandandincreasingsupply
3.1 Status quo
South Africa has an arid tosemi-arid climate, with anaverage annual rainfall of465 mm (half the worldaverage), producing a totalannual runoff ofapproximately 49 000million m³/a. The currentreliable yield of surfacewater at an acceptableassurance of supply isapproximately10200million m³/anationally. The combinedstorage capacity of largedams is in the order of 31000millionm3.
The total nationallyaccessible groundwaterpotential is about 4 500million m³/a of whichbetween 2 000 and3000millionm³/a iscurrentlybeingutilised.Of theapproximately5000registereddamsthevastnumber(3832)aresmalldams(lessthan12m)servingfarmsandmunicipalities.Thesesmallerdamsplayacriticalroleinlocalwatersecurityandclimateresilience.
Agriculture is the largestwateruseat61%of totalwater use, followed by municipal use at 27%(includingindustrialandcommercialusersprovidedfrom municipal systems), with power generation,mining and bulk industrial use, livestock andconservation and afforestation jointly making upthe remaining 12% (see Figure 3). The level ofassuranceatwhichagriculturalwater is supplied is
lower than that of the other sectors (90%). Water for power generation is seen as strategicallyimportantandisprovidedwiththehighestassuranceofsupply(99.5%)(whichtranslatesto1:200-yearriskoffailure).
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Figure3:Currentwaterusebysector
Agricultural consumption is largely unmetered, and thereare concerns about unauthorised abstraction and waterwastage in the sector. In addition, agricultural userspay amuch lowertariff thanotherusersofuntreatedwaterandtherelativelycheapwaterhasnotincentivisedtheadoptionof water efficient irrigation practices. However, theagricultural sector is important in terms of jobs andcontribution to GDP. The value of primary agriculturalproductioninSouthAfricawasR263,2billionin2016.
Averagedomesticwateruse3 inSouthAfricaisaround237litresperpersonperday,64litresperpersonperdaymorethantheworldaverageof173litresperpersonperday.Thehigh water use is partly due to municipal non-revenuewater4 which is currently at an unacceptably high 41%.While figures vary greatly between municipalities andservices providers, average physical losses in municipalsystems are estimated to be around 35%, against a globalbestpracticeintheorderof15%.
3Thisincludesindustrialwateruse.
4Non-revenuewaterincludesallwatersuppliedthatisnotpaidfor,includingphysicalwaterlossesthroughleaksinthedistributionsystem,illegalconnections,unbilledconsumptionandbilled,butunpaidforwateruse.
AgricultureusesthemostwaterinSouthAfricaandpays
thelowesttariff
Onaverage,eachpersoninSouthAfricauses64litresperdaymorethantheglobal
average
Municipalitiesarelosingabout1660millionm³peryear
throughNon-RevenueWater.AtaunitcostofR6/m3thisamountst0R9.9billioneach
year
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There is significant opportunity to reduce water requirements in the agricultural and municipalsectors,whicharelargestandsecondlargestwaterusesinSouthAfricarespectively.Anypercentagereduction in water use in these sectors will therefore have a significant effect on total waterrequirements.
DWS, through the Strategic Water Partnership Network (SWPN) has implemented the WaterAdministration System (WAS) Release Module at several irrigation schemes. With the WAS, it ispossible to release the correct amount of water from a source according to demand, therebyreducingwastage.
59outof78largegovernmentirrigationschemessubmitmonthlyWaterUseEfficiencyAccountingReportswhichindicatethataveragewaterlossintheseschemesisaround27%.Thisiswellabovetheunavoidableseepageandevaporationlossesinconcretecanalswhichareabout12%ofthetotalloss.
Achievementofwater demand targets inmunicipalities hasbeenmixed. Figure 4below indicatesthetargetsandactualachievementsformunicipalitiesineightlargewatersupplysystemsfor2012–2016.
Figure4:Municipalwaterusedemandtargetsandactualineightlargewatersupplysystems,2012-2016
Re-useofeffluentisbecomingmorecosteffectivewithadvancesintechnology,andtreatedeffluentfromwastewaterandacidminedrainage(AMD)isbeingusedtosupplementwatersupplyandthiscanbeexpandedconsiderably.
With the cost of desalination decreasing due to advances in technology, desalinated water (sea,brackishgroundwaterandwastewater) is increasinglyeconomicallyviable.Whiletheutilisationofdesalinatedseawaterisonlyfinanciallyfeasibleforcoastalareas,itwillfreeupsurfaceandgroundwater for upstreamand/or inland usewherewater is currently transferredor released for use incoastalareas.DesalinationalsohasthepotentialtoaddjobstotheBlueEconomy.
Water quality and quantity can be further augmented through planning for, restoring andmaintainingecological infrastructuresuchasstrategicwatersourceareasandwetlands,whicharecurrentlyunder-protectedandofteninpoorcondition.Investinginecologicalinfrastructureisoftenacost-effectivemethodforenhancingandsupportinginvestmentinbuiltinfrastructure.
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TheprovisionofwaterbornesanitationisunsustainableandSouthAfricamustadoptwater-less
sanitationtechnologywhereappropriate
3.2 Drivers
To balance requirements and supply, South Africawill need to reducewater demand, aswell asincreasesupplyforagrowingpopulationandeconomy.TheIndustrialPolicyActionPlan(IPAP)setsout the intentions of South Africa in terms of expanding the manufacturing sector, which willincreasewaterdemandinthissector,andwhichhasthepotentialtoincreasewaterpollutionifnotappropriatelyregulated.
The projected gap between requirements and supply is driven bylowtariffs, inadequatecostrecovery,over-consumption, inefficientuse, wastage, leakage, inappropriate infrastructure choices (e.g.water borne sanitation in a water scarce country), inadequateplanning and implementation, aswell as population and economicgrowth.
Water availability and rawwater qualitywill decline further if thedegradation of aquatic ecosystems (including wetlands), poor land
usepractices,andhighlevelsofwaterpollutioncontinue.
Inaddition,climatechangeisprojectedtoincreasethevariabilityofrainfallthroughoutthecountry,andtoreduceaveragerainfall,particularly in thewesternpartof thecountry.Climatechangewillresult in more intense floods and droughts. Climate change may also increase the agriculturaldemandforwaterduetohighertemperatures,andareducedabilitytorelyonrain-fedagriculture.
The total requirements in the country will increase due to population and associated economicgrowth,butindividualusers’requirementsshouldbereducedbyimprovingefficiency,adoptingnewtechnologies,andreducinglosses,especiallyintheagriculturalandmunicipalsectors,throughwaterawareness,andstrictregulation,costrecoveryandincentives.
As a target, average domestic consumptionmust be reduced to 175 litres per person per day by2025. Further actions linked to reducing demand are addressed in the section on regulation. Thismustincludeafocusonwateruseefficiency,thequalityofwaterandsanitationfittings(toensurethattheyarelowflowfittingsandthattheyarerobustanddonotresultinprematureleakages),andthepotentialforrainwaterharvestinginlowincomeareas.TheNationalDevelopmentPlantargetsanaveragereductioninwaterdemandof15%belowbaselinelevelsinurbanareasby2030,wherethe baseline is taken as year 2012. This plan acknowledges and refers to the targets that havealready been set for different catchments through the DWS-led Reconciliation Strategies and All-townsStudies5.
Onthesupplyside,thereisaneedtooptimisethewatermixwhichiscurrentlystronglydominatedbysurfacewater,withsome groundwater and return flows to a water mix thatincludes increasedgroundwateruse, re-useof effluent fromwastewater treatmentplants,water reclamation,aswellasdesalinationandtreatedacidminedrainage.
South Africa’s dependence on surface water willproportionately decrease over the coming decades (see
5http://www.dwa.gov.za/Projects/AllTownsRecStrat_NP/default.aspx
By2040,treatedacidminedrainageanddesalinated
seawaterwillmakeasignificantcontributiontoSouthAfrica’swatermix,groundwaterusagewillincrease,andtheover-relianceonsurfacewaterwill
reduce.
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Figure5). In the face of climate change, groundwater, which will not experience the increasedevaporation thatwill impact on surfacewater as temperatures increase,will become increasinglyimportant.Artificalrechargeofaquiferswillbeanimportantelementofwatermanagement.
Department of Water and Sanitation developed a National Strategy for Water Re-use (NSWR) in2011.Theintentofthewaterre-usestrategyistoencouragewisedecisionsrelatingtowaterre-useatdifferentscalesandlevels.TheperformanceofexistingwastewatertreatmentplantsintermsofmeetingdischargestandardsandreliabilityiscriticaltothesuccessfulintegrationofwaterreuseintoreconciliationstrategiesandintowatersupplysystemsinSA.
Figure5:Plannedshiftsinwatermixforshorttomediumterm(notingthatthetotalvolumeincreasessubstantiallyovertheperiod(GraphcreatedfromNWRS1Projectedto2015, from2015to2040byDWSDirectorate:NationalWaterResourcePlanning)
Delays in the implementation of Phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) (toaugment the Vaal River System for greater Gauteng), the uMkhomazi Water Project Phase 1 (toaugment the Mgeni System for the KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Metropolitan Region) and theaugmentationoftheWesternCapeWaterSupplySystemhavesignificantly impactedonthewatersecurity,andsubsequentlythesocio-economiesoftheseareas.TherecentwatercrisisinCapeTownserves as a stark reminder of the impacts of delayedactioncombinedwithextremeweatherevents.
In addition, South Africa has four internationally-sharedriver basins that contribute 45% of the country’s totalriverflow.Theseresourcesmustbesharedequitablywithneighbouring states who also have increasing waterneedsduetogrowingpopulationsandeconomies.Signedpartnership framework agreements exists that have paved the way for different South Africansectorstoenter intocooperationagreements,alsoknownasMemorandaofUnderstanding(MoU)withtheseneighbouringstates.itiscriticalthatco-basinorganisationsadequatelysupportIWQMinthesesharedriverbasins.
45%of thewater inSouthAfricacomes from rivers shared withneighbouringcountries
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Table1belowindicateshowarangeofinfrastructureprojectsaswellasdemandmanagementareneededifwearetobuildwatersecurityby2030.Withoutdemandmanagement,currentlyplannedinfrastructuredevelopment and thebroadeningof thewatermixwill not be sufficient tobalancesupply and demand. However, if the targets of reducing physical losses in municipal systems arereached,aswellasareduction inthepercapitaconsumptiontotheglobalaverage, inadditiontothe surface and groundwater supplies, and desalination, re-use and treated AMD, there will be aslight surplus available in 2030. Itmust be recognised, however, that achieving these targetswillrequire significant investment and capacity. It must also be recognised, that these figures arenational, and do not address specific areas where even bigger interventions will be required toaddresslocalshortages.
TheNationalWaterRe-usepolicyaimstodevelopclearandpracticalguidelinesfortypicalwaterre-use projects onwhat regulatory approvals are needed, the status of reclaimedwater in terms ofrighttouseandhowthesecanbeobtainedcostandtimeeffectively.Thereisalsoaneedtoworkwith other institutions to align legislation, reduce the regulatory burden wherever practical, andunblockregulatoryobstaclestowaterre-use.TheseissuesareaddressedinmoredetailinNW&SMPVolumeTwo:PlantoAction.
Table 1: Provisional national water balance with and without critical interventions
Waterusesectors 2030waterrequirementsprojections(millionm3)
Withoutdemand
managementinterventions
Withurbanlossesreducedfrom35%to15%
Reducedomesticdemandfrom237l/c/dto175l/c/d
Agriculture(irrigationandlivestockwatering)
9700 9700 9700
Municipal(industries,commerce,urbanandruraldomestic)
5800 4941 3696
Strategic/Powergeneration 430 430 430Miningandbulkindustrial 1017 1017 1017Internationalobligations 178 178 178Afforestation 434 434 434Totalwaterrequirements(2030) 17559 16700 15455Totalwateravailable(2015) 13949 Increasedsurfacewateryield 874 Increasedgroundwateruse 405 Desalination(includingtreatedAMD) 588 Re-use 110 Totalwateravailable(2030) 15926 15926 15926Deficit/surplus -1633 -763 527Deficit/surplus -10% -5% 3%
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3.3 Key actions
Action Responsibility Completiondate
PLANNING Develop, update and maintain reconciliation planningstudies to achieve optimal water mix (surface water,groundwater, re-use and desalination, and incorporateclimatechangeintostudies)(Volume3,Action1.1.5)
DWS, CMAs,WSAs
2030
Do detailed feasibility study (including EIA) of high priorityinterventions (identified in Reconciliation Strategies) anddevelop bankable projects, with business case of requiredinfrastructure, financing, institutional arrangements forownership and operations as implementation mandate(1.1.6)
WSAs, DWS,CMAs
2030
Water Resources Catchment studies (Continuouslyundertake hydrologicalmonitoring in order to improve theresiliency and sustainability of the available sources onaccountoffutureclimatechange)(1.1.7)
DWS,CMAs 2050
Develop a guideline for the protection, recharge, use andmonitoringofgroundwater(1.1.8)
DWS, WRC,CSIR
2022
Integrate results of All Towns studies and reconciliationstudies into sectoral plans (domestic, agriculture, energy,mining, industrial development, land reform and ruraldevelopment)(1.1.9)
DWS, DAFF,DoE,DMR,thedti,DRDLR
2022
Develop and implement Provincial Water Services DeliveryMaster Plans to provide reliable and sustainable watersupplyandsanitationservicestoallhouseholdswithinSouthAfrica:•ProvincialBulkServicesMasterPlans• Reliable Services Delivery Action Plans that includes abackloganalysisandinfrastructureassetmanagementplans(1.3.6)
DWS, WSAs,CoGTA,SALGA, NT,WBs
2030
Adopt an integrated planning approach at trans-boundary(international),national,WaterManagementAreaandsub-catchment levels (SA16, SA17, SA18, SA21, SA22, SA23 &SA33)(1.5.7)
DWS, Co-basinStates
2030
REDUCINGDEMAND Reduce Non RevenueWater (NRW) andwater losses in allmunicipalitiesto15%belowthebusinessasusual(1.1.1)
DWS,CoGTA 2030
Setcaponwaterusewithreducingtargetsovertime(1.1.2) DWS, CMAs,WSAs,CoGTA
2030
Reduce the water demands and water losses at all majorirrigation and agricultural schemes by 2030, withoutaffectingproductions(1.1.3)
DWS,DAFF 2030
Reduce water demand and increase water efficiencies ofindustrialusers(1.1.4)
DWS,thedti 2026
Implement the Water Administration System on allgovernmentirrigationschemesfortransformation(1.2.3)
DWS,DAFF/PDAs
2024
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Action Responsibility Completiondate
Develop and implement a long-term plan for the turn-around of water supply and sanitation services in thecountry based on a sector-wide approach, that recognisesDWS as regulator of W&S provision that includes thedevelopment of centralised programmes to obtaineconomies of scale and to ensure impact (e.g. drivingmunicipal non-revenue-water improvements, and assessingthe cost-effectiveness and appropriate systems fordesalination)(1.3.1)
DWS, CoGTA,NT,SALGA
Annually
Revitalise the Green, Blue and No Drop programmes andpublish results. Revise and establish norms and standards(1.4.1)
DWS,WSAs Annually
Includewateruseefficiencyandwaterlossreductiontargetsin the KPIs of municipal managers and municipal watersupply and sanitation managers, and in municipalimplementationplans(1.4.2)
CoGTA,Municipalities
2019
Establish Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS)Scheme(1.4.3)
SABS,DWS 2025
Identify(BlueScorpions)andprosecutemajornon-compliantabstractors (water thieves) across the country, with anationalcommunicationcampaigntoaccompanytheaction(1.4.4)
CMAs, NPA,SAPS, DEA,Regulator,DMR, DWS,BlueScorpions
10by2020Additional 10by2023
INCREASINGSUPPLY Development of strategic water resources infrastructure(1.1.10)
DWS, LHDA,WSAs, WBs,TCTA
2025
Refurbishgaugingstations(1.1.11) CMAs,DWS 2027Increase groundwateruse (includingartificial recharge) andre-useofwater(1.1.12)
WBs, WSAs,DWS,CMAs
2024
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4 Redistributingwaterfortransformation
4.1 Status quo
Transformation is critical in threeareas:ensuring that theuseofwater forproductivepurposes isequitable, making sure that the governance of water is representative, and ensuring access todecentwaterandsanitationservicesforall.
Despitebothpolicyandlegislativetoolsintendedtoenablethetransformationofwaterallocationtoredress the historical racial discrimination in access to water, little has been achieved since theNational Water Act (NWA) was promulgated in 1998. This is particularly true in the agriculturalsector,wherearound95%ofthewaterisestimatedtobeusedbywhitecommercialfarmers.
ExistingLawfulUse (ELU)was intendedasatransitionalarrangement.However,20yearsaftertheNWAwaspromulgated,ELUsauthorisethebiggestvolumeofwaterusedinthecountry.
Whiletherestitutionofagriculturallandhasbeenslowerthanintended, the reallocationofwater has not alwayseven keptpace with the transfer of that land. In some instances, theprevious owners traded away their existing lawful water userights,sothatthewaterallocationwasnottransferredtolandreform beneficiaries. According to The Institute for Poverty,Land and Agrarian Studies, more than 70% of commercialfarms in the country are estimated to be owned by white
farmers with about 39 000 white commercial farmers and 5 300 black farmers, according to theAfricanFarmersAssociationofSouthAfrica.Mostof theblackcommercial farmershave relativelysmallerfarms.
Transformationofrepresentivityinwatergovernancehasalsobeenslow.Membershipofwateruserassociations generally reflects land ownership and water use, so that the governance of thoseassociationsisoftenfocussedonwhitecommercialfarmers’interests.
The IrrigationStrategydevelopedby theDepartmentofAgriculture, ForestryandFisheries (DAFF)has identifiedwater schemeswhere there is thepotential for irrigationexpansion.Thisexpansioncancontributetoaccesstowaterforblackfarmers.
Thereareover5000registereddams(wallheightofoverfivemetres)inSouthAfrica,thesebeingmostlyfarmdamsandprivatelyowned.
4.2 Drivers
Thedemandfor landreformishighonthepoliticalagendaandwillremain so until adequately addressed. Within the land reformprogramme, the transfer of some irrigable land without a waterallocationhaslimitedtheabilityofrecipientstomakeproductiveuseof the land. In addition, thereareblack farmers andentrepreneurswho have expressed their concerns about lack of access to water,and the challenges in getting water allocated for farming andenterprisedevelopment.Thepressuretoreallocatewatertoachievemoreequitablewaterusethusremainshigh.
Toeffecttransformation,DWSwillworkwithDAFFtoidentifyavailablewatertoallocatetoemerging
blackfarmers
Morethan70%ofcommercialfarmsinSouthAfricaareownedbywhitefarmers,whoalsouse95%ofthewaterallocatedtotheagriculturalsector
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4.3 Key Actions
Action Responsibility Completiondate
Identifyalternativesourcesofwaterandwaterthatis not utilised (e.g. as mines are closing resultingfrom War on Leaks, etc) for transformation(Volume3Action1.2.1)
DWS,CMAs,WSAs 2019
Identifywheremorewater canbemade availablein government water schemes for transformation(1.2.2)
DWS, CMAs, WBs,DAFF/PDAs,
2019
ImplementtheWaterAdministrationSystemonallgovernment irrigation schemes for transformation(1.2.3)
DWS,DAFF/PDA 2024
Implementpilotprojectonvoluntarycontributionsfrom farmers for water reallocation in prioritisedcatchments(1.2.4)
DWS,DAFF 2020
Identify areas where small dams or groundwaterdevelopment can provide water for small scaleblackfarmers(1.2.5)
DWS,CMAs 2019
Alignwater,landandagrarianreformprogrammesandlinktotheIrrigationStrategy(1.2.6)
DWS, CMAs, DAFF,DRDLR
2030
Use General Authorisation to enable small scalewaterusebyblackfarmers(1.2.7)
DWS,DAFF 2019
Investigate, revitalise, refurbish existing under-performingBlackOwnedschemes(1.2.8)
DAFF,DWS 2020
Define and implement process to allocate water(new/saved)toblackapplicants(1.2.9)
DWS,DAFF 2030
Establish the National Water Resources andServicesRegulator(NWRSR)(2.1.6)
DWS,NT 2020
Establishregulationsonrequiredqualificationsandexperience for senior and technical positions inDWS, CMAs, water boards and municipal servicesinstitutions(2.3.1)
DWS,CoGTA,SETA 2023
Develop regulations in termsof Section 139 (8) oftheConstitution,whichallowsforanationalentityto takeover thewater service functions, includingrevenue and billing, in a municipality if servicedelivercriteriaarenotmet(2.4.4)
DWS,CoGTA 2022
Fund research into new models to betterunderstand implementation approaches for waterallocationreform,andequityissues(2.6.6)
DWS,WRC,CSIR,DST Ongoing
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5 Managingeffectivewaterandsanitationservices
5.1 Status quo
EveryonelivinginSouthAfricahasaconstitutionalrightofaccesstoatleastbasicwatersupplyandbasicsanitationservicesandthecountryhasprogressedwellindeliveringinfrastructuretoprovidetheseserviceswith89%ofhouseholdsnowhavingaccesstowatersupplyinfrastructure6.However,whileserviceprovisionhasadvanced,reliabilityoftheseservicesremainsachallenge.Only64%ofhouseholdsareestimatedtohaveareliablewatersupplyservice–alowerfigurethanin1996(seeFigure6)withsome11%ofwatersupplyschemesbeingcompletelydysfunctional.Inthe27prioritydistrictmunicipalitiesthewaterreliabilityisonly42%,withtheworst10WSAsbelow30%reliability.
Interruptioninwatersupply(unreliability)andblockedandoverflowing sewers are two of the key public frustrationsleadingtoprotestsandvandalism.
Approximately 56% of the over 1 150 WWTW andapproximately44%ofthe962WTWsareinpoororcriticalconditionand inneedofurgentrehabilitation.Poorwaterandwastewater treatment has significant implications forpublichealth.
Current access to sanitation services is around 80%nationally. However, delivery is uneven and, in somemunicipalities, only 50% of residents have access toadequatesanitationfacilities.
Over the years, several interventions have been put inplacebynational government, including interventionsunder section196of theConstitution, and,mostrecently,theBack-to-BasicscampaignandtheMunicipal InfrastructureSupportAgent(MISA)institutedby theDepartmentofCooperativeGovernanceandTraditionalAffairs (COGTA).Despitethese interventions, aswell asmanywater and sanitation specific interventions byDWS, in somecasesrepeatedlyinthesamemunicipality,failuresinwatersupplyandsanitationservicescontinue,notleastduetoalackofskilledandexperiencedtechnicalstaff.
TherearealsochallengesintheeffectiveoperationandmaintenanceofwatersupplyandsanitationinfrastructurebyDWS,waterboards,othergovernmentdepartmentsandinstitutions.
Municipalwaterreticulationinfrastructureincludesmorethan290000kmofpipelines,anestimated7,7millionhouseconnections,over5millionyardtapsandmorethan
2,1millionstreettaps7.
6StatsSAGeneralHouseholdSurvey7StatsSACommunitySurvey2016
56%ofwastewatertreatmentworksinSouthAfricadonotworkproperly
44%ofwatertreatment
worksdonotworkproperly
ThecapacityofWSAstooperate,maintainand
manageassetsforexistinginfrastructureneedsurgent
attention.
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Figure6:Accesstopiped,RDPandreliableRDPwatersupply(Source:StatsSA)
Thefailureofsomemunicipalitiestoprovidereliablewaterandsanitationservicesislargelyduetothelackoftechnicalskills,institutionalcapacityandfundingtooperate,maintainandmanagewaterandwastewaterinfrastructureassetsproperly.Furthercontributorstowardsthepoorreliabilityofwaterandsanitationservices isthe limitedbudgetallocatedbysomemunicipalitiesforoperationsandmaintenance relative to that allocated tonewcapitalworks,poor revenuemanagement, andthe failure of municipalities to employ appropriately qualified technical staff. In addition, thenational infrastructure grant funding mechanisms incentivise the building of new infrastructure,ratherthanthemaintenanceofexistinginfrastructure.
The nature of internal decision-making systems and procedures in municipalities also make itdifficult for water supply and sanitation managers to respond effectively to the need to providereliableservices.Thesesystemsareinformed,interalia,bytheMunicipalFinancialManagementAct(MFMA)andtheMunicipalSystemsAct.
It is noteworthy that despite these challenges, South Africa has several well performingmunicipalities thathavebeen internationally recognised.Byexample:eThekwiniwasawarded theStockholmWaterIndustryAwardin2014.
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Figure7:Reliabilityofwatersupplyandsanitationservicesperprovince
5.2 Drivers
InlinewiththeglobalSustainableDevelopmentGoals,andtheaspirationsoftheNDP,thenationaltargetsforwatersupplyandsanitationservicesareasfollows:
Target DateAchieveuniversal,sustainablesanitationprovision 2020:90%
2030:100%Achieveuniversal,sustainableandreliablewatersupplyprovision 2019:90%
2030:100%Thesetargetsmustbemet inasustainablemanner,witheffectiveoperationandmaintenance,sothat the servicesprovidedare reliableover time, andareaccessible toall people, including thoselivingwithdisabilities.
The constitutional water supply and sanitation services responsibility lies with 144 municipalitiesthat are water services authorities (WSA). At least 33% of these municipalities are regarded asdysfunctional and more than 50% have no or very limited technical staff. The 27 priority districtmunicipalities have been identified as being particularly dysfunctional and requiring specificintervention.
In addition, many of the smaller and/or rural municipalities are facedwith financial challenges. The socio-economic profile of South Africa ishighly variable with 63% of households earning less than R38 000 peryear(andthereforeclassifiedasindigent).Municipalitieswithhighlevelsof indigent households are dependent on national grants to providereliable and affordable water and sanitation services. In rural and/orsmaller municipalities, the proportion of indigent households averages77%. It is consequently difficult for municipalities with a low revenue
basetoaddresstheirbacklogsandtoallocatesufficientfundsformaintainingandoperatingexistingworks.Insomeareas,majorwaterinfrastructurerunsthroughruralareaswithoutsupplyingthem(suchastheTugela-Vaalscheme).
Some77%ofruralhouseholds areindigent and arenot required topay for municipalservices
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South Africa is currently in a low economic growth climateand the number of indigent households is not expected todecrease in the short term. In addition, high rates ofurbanisationhaveamajor impactonthedemandforwatersupplyandsanitationservices.SouthAfricaiscurrently65%urbanisedandtheNDPestimatesthaturbanpopulationswill
growby10%everytwodecades.Increasingurbanisationwillplacemorepressureoncitiestodeliveraffordableandreliablewaterandsanitationservicestolargernumbersofpoorhouseholds.
Aging, poor quality and poorly maintained infrastructure is contributing to high levels of waterwastageandpollutionofriversandgroundwaterwithsewage.
5.3 Key Actions
The national capacity to operate, maintain and manage water supply and sanitation servicesrequiresurgentattention.Keyactionsare:
Action Responsibility Completiondate
Setcaponwaterusewith reducing targetsover time(Volume3,Action1.1.2)
DWS, CMAs, WSAs,CoGTA
2030
Developandimplementalong-termplanfortheturn-aroundofwatersupplyandsanitationservices in thecountry based on a sector-wide approach, thatrecognises DWS as regulator of W&S provision thatincludes the development of centralised programmesto obtain economies of scale and to ensure impact(e.g. driving municipal non-revenue-waterimprovements, and assessing the cost-effectivenessandappropriatesystemsfordesalination)(1.3.1)
DWS, CoGTA, NT,SALGA
Annually
Plan for disaster management by implementingadequate flood protection and droughtmanagementonregionallevel(1.3.2)
DWS,CMAs,NWRSA,WBs
2022
Revisit levels of service for water supply andsanitation services against issues of affordability(1.3.3)
DWS, CoGTA, NT,SALGA
2025
Investigate and promote alternative service deliverymodels such as BOTT (build, operate, train andtransfer), management contracts and concessions(1.3.4)
NT,DWS 2025
Provide direct Water Services Development Planningsupport toWSAs as part of a legal requirement andintegrationintoMunicipalIDPS(1.3.5)
WSAs, DWS, CoGTA,SALGA,NT
2025
Develop and implement Provincial Water ServicesDelivery Master Plans to provide reliable andsustainablewater supply and sanitation services to allhouseholdswithinSouthAfrica:•ProvincialBulkServicesMasterPlans•ReliableServicesDeliveryActionPlansthat includesa backlog analysis and infrastructure assetmanagementplans(1.3.6)
DWS, WSAs, CoGTA,SALGA,NT,WBs
2030
SouthAfrica’spopulationisrapidlyurbanising,placingstrainonservicedeliveryin
municipalities
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Action Responsibility Completiondate
Deliverservicestoachieve(100%)universalsanitationcoverage(MunicipalSanitationProjects)(1.3.7)
WSAs,DWS 2030
Deliver services to achieve (100%) universal waterservices provision (Municipal Water Supply Projects)(1.3.8)
WSAs,CoGTA,DWS 2030
O&M of water resources and services infrastructure(1.3.9)
DWS 2050
Align interventions with CoGTA on failingmunicipalities with existing support programmes e.g.MISA(1.3.10)
CoGTA,MISA,DWS 2019
Lifecycle planning (asset management) conditions tobesetbyDWS(1.3.11)
DWS 2020
A national water and wastewater treatmentperformance turnaround plan to be developed andimplemented. Turn around the functionality of five,currently dysfunctional, large water and wastewatertreatment works with an accompanying publicitycampaign, followed by a programme addressing therest(1.3.12)
DWS, WSAs, NT,WBs,CoGTA
2030
Roll-out of Feasibility and Implementation Readinessstudies to align with national grant fundingprogrammes(1.3.13)
WSAs,DWS 2025
Revitalise the Green, Blue and No Drop programmesand publish results. Revise and establish norms andstandards(1.4.1)
DWS,WSAs Annually
Includewateruseefficiencyand conservation targetsintheKPIsofmunicipalmanagersandmunicipalwatersupply and sanitation managers, and in municipalimplementationplans(1.4.2)
CoGTA,Municipalities
2019
EnsurefiscalsupportforIWQM(SA38&SA39)(1.5.11) DWS,WSAs 2021Establishabusiness case for streamlined institutionalarrangements in the water and sanitation sector(2.1.1)
DWS 2020
EstablishaMunicipal InterventionUnitforWaterandSanitation in DWS, staffed with highly competentexpertstodriveanationalprogrammeofinterventionatthemunicipallevel(2.1.2)
DWS 2022
Establish financially sustainable CMAs across thecountry, and transfer staff andbudget anddelegatedfunctions, including licensing of water use andmonitoringandevaluationofwaterresources(2.1.3)
DWS 2020
Establish the National Water Resources and ServicesAuthority(NWRSA)(2.1.4)
DWS,NT 2020
Determine theoptimal configurationofwaterboardsto manage regional bulk water supply, assistmunicipalities to perform their primary water andsanitationservicesmandatewherenecessary,manage
DWS,WBs 2020
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Action Responsibility Completiondate
regional water resources infrastructure, manageregionalbulkWTWsandWWTWs(2.1.5)Establish the National Water Resources and ServicesRegulator(NWRSR)(2.1.6)
DWS,NT 2020
Establish regulations on required qualifications andexperience for seniorand technicalpositions inDWS,CMAs, water boards and municipal servicesinstitutions(2.3.1)
DWS,CoGTA,SETA 2023
Develop and implement programme for recruitingexperienced technical and managerial staff in SouthAfricafirstandtheninternationally(2.3.2)
DWS,CoGTA,DIRCO 2030
Developandimplementamandatory,modularhands-on qualification for municipal water managers(technical manager) to be run over 18 months andaccreditedbyEWSETAtoincludeaspectssuchasassetmanagement, tariffs and revenue management,drought management, stakeholder engagement andcustomerrelations(2.3.4)
DWS, EWSETA,InstitutionsofHigherLearning
Ongoing
Partner with institutions to fund training of watersectorpractitioners in thecuration,managementanduse of data as well as the associated technologies(2.3.5)
DWS,EWSETA Ongoing
Develop and implement institutional arrangementthat recognise the diversity of circumstances acrossSouth Africa, the legacy of Apartheid and allow forregionalcrosssubsidisation(2.4.1)
NT,DWS 2021
Implement accurate billing and effective revenuemanagementsystemsinallentitiesinthewatervaluechainwithastrict“Nopayment=nowater”approachto agriculture/industrial/commercial users andrestrictedsupplytodomesticusers(2.4.2)
WSAs, WBs, DWS,AGSA
2024
All conditionalgrants tobedependentonmeetingofcurrentpaymentstothenextentityinthevaluechain,improvementstoBlueDrop,GreenDropandNoDropScores to meeting targets and audit outcome. Allowconditional grants to be used for operational costs(2.4.3)
NT,AGSA,DWS 2023
DevelopregulationsintermsofSection139(8)oftheConstitution,whichallowsforanationalentitytotakeover the water service functions, including revenueandbilling, in amunicipality if servicedeliver criteriaarenotmet(2.4.4)
DWS,CoGTA 2022
Ensure that sufficient revenue is received throughtariffs and grants to operate, maintain and improvethe water supply and sanitation system. The tariffstructure must allow for cross subsidisation for theindigent and building of a reserve for periods ofdrought(2.4.5)
WSAs, WBs, DWS,NT,AGSA
2024
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Action Responsibility Completiondate
In all entities put in place mechanisms to deal withaccumulateddebts(2.4.6)
WSAs, WBs, DWS,NT,AGSA
2020
Review the Municipal Financial Management Act(MFMA) and the Municipal Systems Act (specificallychapter 8) to ensure that they provide an enablingenvironment for the provision of reliable water andsanitationservices(2.5.4)
NT, DWS, CoGTA,SALGA
2020
Develop new policies and strategies on matters notpreviously addressed, in consultation with allstakeholders,tofacilitatethesustainabilityofvariouswatersectorprogrammes(2.5.5)
DWS 2025
Implement and regularly review/revise Research,Development and Innovation Policies, Plans andRoadmapsacrossthesector(2.6.1)
DWS, DST, WRC,CSIR
2021
Unlock investment, procurement and otherlocalisation barriers to reposition the sector toimplement new/niche solutions and approaches androadmaptheNMIU(2.6.2)
DWS, NT, CoGTA,DST,NMIU
Ongoing
Fund research intonewmodels to better understandimplementation approaches for water allocationreform,andequityissues(2.6.6)
DWS, WRC, CSIR,DST
Ongoing
Develop technologies, guidelinesand implementationsupport tools that enable SA to use alternative andappropriatesourcesaspartofwatersupply(2.6.7)
DWS, WRC, CSIR,DST, SALGA, CoGTA,WSAs
2023
Scanandsort the innovationsector forsolutionsthatare ready for application and invest in theirimplementation(2.6.10)
WRC, CSIR, DST,DWS
2021
Alternative Sanitation:Developanddemonstrateandvalidate appropriate alternative, water-less and offgridsanitationsolutions(Current–2025)(2.6.11)
DWS, WRC, CSIR,DST, BMGF, the dti,Municipalities
Ongoing
Domestic and industrial Waste Water: Develop andDemonstrate appropriate waste water technologiesfor cost effectiveness, energy efficiency andbeneficiation(2.6.12)
DWS, TCTA, WRC,CSIR, the dti, DST,TIA,MINTEK
Ongoing
Scanandsort the innovationsector forsolutionsthatare ready for application and invest in theirimplementation(2.6.13)
WRC, CSIR, DST,DWS
2021
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6 Regulatingthewaterandsanitationsector
6.1 Status Quo
DWS is responsible for the regulation of the use of raw water across the country. This includesauthorisationforwaterabstraction,wastedischarge,anddamsafety,andsettingthechargesfortheuse of raw water and the discharge of effluent. There are in the region of 80000 water useauthorisations, either under the existing lawful use or through water use licences, with around60000 unique users. Of these, approximately 8 000 obtain their water from state-owned waterresourcesinfrastructure.
DWSalsosetsstandardsforwaterandsanitationservicesprovisionandassociatedtariffs,whicharealsogovernedbytheMunicipalSystemsActandtheMunicipalFinanceManagementAct.Therearesignificant challenges in ensuring that WSAs set appropriate tariffs that cover costs, includingoperationandmaintenancecosts,andthatpromotewateruseefficiency.
WSAs are responsible for developing by-laws that, amongst others, enable regulation of watersupplyandsanitationprovisionandusewithinitsareaofjurisdiction.
The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) sets several water quality standards for the watersector,includingdrinkingwaterstandards(SANS241)andotherrelevantguidelines.
6.2 Drivers
Strong regulation is critical toachievewater security in SouthAfrica, in termsofwaterquality (inriversandtaps),balancingdemandandsupply,ensuring thesafetyofdams,andbeingresilienttoclimatechangeimpacts.
Despitestrongregulatorytoolsinthelegislation,thequalityofraw water continues to deteriorate across the country, withhigh levelsofwater theft andwaterwastage continuing. ThecontinueduseofwaterunderELUoftheNationalWaterActishamperingtheredistributionofwaterandeffectiveregulationof this water use. The need to use the courts to imposesanctionsonthosecontraveningwaterlegislationhamperstheabilitytogetspeedyresolutiononsuchmatters.
Inaddition,damsafetyregulationisunderthreatfromlimitedqualified personnel in the country: currently there are lessthan100damsafetyapprovedprofessionalpersons(APPs)inSouth Africa (approximately 1 qualified person for every 50dams on the Dam Safety register), and more than 66% oftheseareolderthan60yearsofage.
Somemunicipalitiesfailtodelivertherequisitelevelofwatersupplyandsanitation,includingfailingtomeetdrinkingwaterqualitystandards.Inthe2014BlueDropassessment,86%ofWSAsachievedgoodorexcellentstatusformicrobiologicalwaterqualitycompliance,butonly70%achievedgoodorexcellentstatusforwaterqualityoperationalcompliance.
DWSwill revitalise the Green,Blue&NoDropprogrammes
Therearelessthan100damsafetyApprovedProfessional
PersonsinSouthAfrica,andmorethan66%oftheseareolderthan
60.
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6.3 Key Actions
Action Responsibility CompletiondateSet cap on water use with reducing targets overtime(Volume3,Action1.1.2)
DWS, CMAs, WSAs,CoGTA
2030
Revitalise the Green, Blue and No Dropprogrammes and publish results. Revise andestablishnormsandstandards(1.4.1)
DWS,WSAs Annually
Include water use efficiency and conservationtargets in the KPIs of municipal managers andmunicipal water supply and sanitation managers,andinmunicipalimplementationplans(1.4.2)
CoGTA,Municipalities 2019
EstablishWaterEfficiencyLabellingandStandards(WELS)Scheme(1.4.3)
SABS,DWS 2025
Identify and prosecute major non-compliantabstractors (water thieves) across the country,with a national communication campaign toaccompanytheactioninclusiveofrevivingtheBlueScorpions(1.4.4)
CMAs, NPA, SAPS,DEA, Regulator, DMR,DWS,BlueScorpions
2020
ReplaceallExistingLawfulUse (ELU)with licenceswithenforceablewateruseconditions(1.4.5)
DWS,CMAs 2030
Development and implementation of the MoUbetweentheDWSandstrategicusers(1.4.6)
DWS, Chamber ofMines, Eskom,Industries
2020
Develop and implement municipal by-laws toprotectwaterquality(1.4.7)
DWS,WSAs 2020
Identify and prosecute big polluters across thecountry (includingmunicipalities),with a nationalcommunicationcampaigntoaccompanytheactioninclusiveofrevivingtheBlueScorpions(1.4.8)
CMAs, NPA, SAPS,DEA, DMR, DWS, BlueScorpions
2020
Establishamechanismforapplyingadministrativepenalties(1.4.9)
DWS,DeptofJustice 2023
Develop improved regulatory approaches tomanage pollution from land-based and in-streamactivities(SA1,SA7,SA20&SA29)(1.4.10)
DWS 2022
Develop and implement an action plan tostrengthen water use authorisation processes(SA24,SA25,SA26,SA27&SA28)(1.4.11)
DWS, CMAs, WRC,CSIR
2022
Implement the Waste Discharge Charge System(WDCS) in priority catchments (SA5, SA41, SA42,SA43&SA44)(1.5.8)
NT,DWS,CMAs 2030
Ensure fiscal support for IWQM (SA38 & SA39)(1.5.11)
DWS,WSAs 2021
Developand implementadiffusepollutionsourcestrategy that includes the regulation of land use(1.5.14)
DWS,CMAs 2023
Declare strategic water source areas and criticalgroundwater recharge areas and aquaticecosystems recognised as threatened or sensitiveasprotectedareas(1.6.1)
DWS,CMAs,DEA 2021
Establish a business case for streamlined DWS 2020
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Action Responsibility Completiondateinstitutional arrangements in the water andsanitationsector(2.1.1)Establish financially sustainable CMAs across thecountry, and transfer staff and budget anddelegated functions, including licensing of wateruse and monitoring and evaluation of waterresources(2.1.3)
DWS 2020
Determine the optimal configuration of waterboards to manage regional bulk water supply;assist municipalities to perform their primarywater and sanitation services mandate wherenecessary, manage regional water resourcesinfrastructure, manage regional bulk WTWs andWWTWs(2.1.5)
DWS,WBs 2020
Review and develop comprehensive andappropriate Management, Monitoring andReportingStructuresoftheDWSdataportal(2.2.1)
DWS Annually
Establishregulationsonrequiredqualificationsandexperience for senior and technical positions inDWS, CMAs,water boards andmunicipal servicesinstitutions(2.3.1)
DWS,CoGTA,SETA 2023
Developand implementprogramme for recruitingexperiencedtechnicalandmanagerial staff in firstSouthAfricaandtheninternationally(2.3.2)
DWS,CoGTA,DIRCO 2030
Define (and reinstate in some cases) career pathswithdefinedtrainingandonthejobexperiencetobuild a knowledgeable sector of professionals(2.3.3)
DWS, WSAs, WBs,CMAs
2023
Develop and implement a mandatory, modularhands-on qualification for municipal watermanagers (technical manager) to be run over 18months and accredited by EWSETA to includeaspects such as asset management, tariffs andrevenue management, drought management,stakeholder engagement and customer relations(2.3.4)
DWS, EWSETA,Institutions of HigherLearning
Ongoing
Allconditionalgrantstobedependentonmeetingofcurrentpaymentstothenextentityinthevaluechain, improvements to Blue Drop, Green DropandNoDrop Scores tomeeting targets and auditoutcome. Allow conditional grants to be used foroperationalcosts(2.4.3)
NT,AGSA,DWS 2023
Ensure that sufficient revenue is received throughtariffs and grants to operate, maintain andimprove the water supply and sanitation system.The tariff structure must allow for crosssubsidisation for the indigent and building of areserveforperiodsofdrought(2.4.5)
WSAs,WBs, DWS,NT,AGSA
2024
Review the Municipal Financial Management Act(MFMA) and the Municipal Systems Act
NT, DWS, CoGTA,SALGA
2020
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Action Responsibility Completiondate(specificallychapter8)toensurethattheyprovidean enabling environment for the provision ofreliablewaterandsanitationservices(2.5.4)Developnewpoliciesandstrategiesonmattersnotpreviously addressed, in consultation with allstakeholders, to facilitate the sustainability ofvariouswatersectorprogrammes(2.5.5)
DWS 2025
Continue to invest in understanding emergingcontaminants (detection and treatment) in orderto improve our transition to reuse, reclamationandrecyclingofwater(2.6.15)
DWS, WRC, CSIR,Municipalities
Ongoing
Improvingrawwaterquality:Invest in Communities of practise that bringtogetherbuiltandecologicalinfrastructureexpertsandsolutions(2.6.16)
DWS, DEA, SANBI,WRC,CSIR,DST
Ongoing
Link the Global Environment Fund 6 project onWater Pricing and Ecosystems to Water MasterPlan implementation and position DWS to becloselyinvolvedinthisprocess(2.6.17)
DWS, DEA, SANBI,WRC,CSIR
2024
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7 Improvingrawwaterquality
7.1 Status quo
Rawwaterquality,beingthechemical,physicalandbiologicalcharacteristicsofwaterbodies(rivers,dams, lakes, wetlands, estuaries and ground water) shows ongoing deterioration in manyparameters.Thisdeteriorationposesathreattoeconomicgrowth,socialdevelopment,healthandhygieneandaquaticecologicalfunctioning.
Figure8:DifferenttypesofWaterQualityproblemsacrossSouthAfrica(Ashton,2012)
Rawwaterqualityisalteredby:
• point source discharges such as the effluent discharged from municipal and industrialwastewatertreatmentworks,untreatedeffluentdischargesbyindustrialusers, inadequateon-sitesanitationfacilities,andpollutedstormwater.
• diffuse pollution sources, such as runoff affected by atmospheric deposition or land usepractices, including water either draining through or running off fertilized agricultural land,wash-off from industrial sites, mine residue deposits and mining areas, wash-off fromsettlementsandbuiltupareas,anderosion.
• Rawwaterqualityisalsodependentontheamountofwaterremaining in the source that is available to dilute the discharges.Currentregulationfocusesmostlyonthecontrolofpointsourcesofpollution.
Poorrawwaterqualityincreasesthecostsoftreatmentfordomesticand industrial use. Poor water quality also impacts negatively onagriculturalproduction. It isgenerallycheaper to treatwaterat the
Pollutionofriversresultsinpoorraw
waterqualitywhichisdrivingupthecostofmunicipalwater
treatment
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pointofdischarge,wherethepollutionisstillrelativelyconcentratedandhencecontained,thanitisto treatwateronce thepollutionhasdispersed intoa largerwaterbodyandmixedwithmultipleotherpollutanttypes.Thecostofpollutionshouldbebornebythepolluterandnotexternalisedtodown-streamwaterusersorthestate.
Poorrawwaterquality,togetherwithsedimentationcausedbyelevatedlevelsofsuspendedsolidsinwater,andthedammingofrivers,havesignificantimpactsontheecologyofrivers,estuariesandwetlandsandtheirsubsequentabilitytoprovideservicesandbenefitstopeople.
The discharge of water into a water source is classified as a water use and is governed by theNational Water Act (NWA) and regulated by DWS to ensure that the water in receiving waterresourcesisfitforuse.
7.2 Drivers
South Africa is already experiencing significant impacts on water quality from mining, industry,agriculture, settlements, and poorly operated and maintained municipal wastewater treatmentworks,inmanycasesoperatedbeyonddesigncapacity.Withouteffectiveregulation,several“mega-trends”,inadditiontothecurrentchallenges,canbeexpectedtoleadtoneworacceleratedwaterquality challenges. These include: climate change; hydraulic fracturing; further industrialdevelopmentincludingthedischargeofemergingpollutants,excessiveuseoffertilisers,insecticidesandherbicidesintheagriculturalsector,andrural-urbanmigrationandthegrowthofinadequatelyserviced densely populated settlements. Deterioratingwater quality is putting human and animalhealth at risk, impacting negatively on aquatic ecosystems, and imposing significant costs on theeconomy.
7.3 Key Actions
Action Responsibility Completiondate
Development of strategic water resourcesinfrastructure(Volume3,Action1.1.10)
DWS, LHDA, WSAs,WBs,TCTA
2025
A National water and wastewater treatmentperformance turnaround plan to be developed andimplemented. Turn around the functionality of five,currently dysfunctional, large water and wastewatertreatment works with an accompanying publicitycampaign, followed by a programme addressing therest(1.3.12)
DWS, WSAs, NT,WBs,CoGTA
2030
Develop and implement municipal bylaws to protectwaterquality(1.4.7)
DWS,WSAs 2020
Identifyandprosecutebigpollutersacrossthecountry(including municipalities), with a nationalcommunication campaign to accompany the action(1.4.8)
CMAs, NPA, SAPS,DEA, DMR, DWS,BlueScorpions
2020
Establish a mechanism for applying administrativepenalties(1.4.9)
DWS,DeptofJustice 2023
Implement measures to ensure that water users useand discharge water responsibly and adhere toregulatoryrequirements(1.5.1)
DWS,CMAs,WSAs 2022
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Action Responsibility Completiondate
Determine in-stream Resource Water QualityObjectives (RWQOs), based on the SAWater QualityGuidelines(SA36),insupportofRQO's(1.5.1)
DWS,CMAs 2020
Routinelymonitorresourcewaterquality(SA46,SA47SA48)(1.5.2)
DWS,CMAs 2030
Establish and maintain appropriate and accessibleinformationmanagementsystem(s)forresourcewaterquality(SA49,SA51&SA60)(1.5.3)
DWS,CMAs 2030
Assess resource water quality information (SA52 &SA59)(1.5.4)
DWS,CMAs 2030
Implement adaptive source control-basedwaterquality management interventions, inaccordance with relevant catchment plans andstrategies(SA34&SA35)(1.5.5)
Chamber of Mines,DWS,CMAs,DMR
2030
Developandimplementastrategicactionplanfortherehabilitation and upgrade of prioritized WWTWs(SA17)(1.5.6)
DWS, WSAs, NT,SALGA,CoGTA
2023
Adopt an integrated planning approach at trans-boundary (international), national, WaterManagement Area and sub-catchment levels (SA16,SA17,SA18,SA21,SA22,SA23&SA33)(1.5.7)
DWS, Co-basinsstates
2030
Implement the Waste Discharge Charge System(WDCS)inprioritycatchments(SA5,SA41,SA42,SA43&SA44)(1.5.8)
NT,DWS,CMAs 2030
Ensure IWQM is supportedbyeffectivedepartmentalarrangements(SA8&SA9)(1.5.9)
DWS 2020
Formalise governance frameworks to supportengagements on water quality management (SA10,SA11,SA12,SA13,SA14,SA15,SA54&SA61)(1.5.10)
DWS,CMAs,WSAs 2030
EnsurefiscalsupportforIWQM(SA38&SA39)(1.5.11) DWS,WSAs 2021Build water quality management capacity throughrecruitment,educationandtraining(SA53,SA54,SA55&SA56)(1.5.12)
DWS, CMAs, NT,WRC,CSIR,SETA
2030
Createaninformed,supportiveandresponsiblepublic(SA62)(1.5.13)
DWS,CMAs,WSAs 2030
(1.5.14) Develop and implement a diffuse pollutionsource strategy that includes the regulation of landuse
DWS,CMAs 2023
Implement programmes to rehabilitate catchmentsthrough development of Catchment business plans(1.5.15)
DWS,NT,CMAs 2025
Securefundsforrestorationandongoingmaintenanceof ecological infrastructure through operationalisingthewaterpricingstrategy(1.6.4)
DWS, CMAs, DEA,SANBI
Annually
Establishabusiness case for streamlined institutionalarrangements in the water and sanitation sector(2.1.1)
DWS 2020
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Action Responsibility Completiondate
Establish financially sustainable CMAs across thecountry, and transfer staff andbudget anddelegatedfunctions, including licensing of water use andmonitoringandevaluationofwaterresources(2.1.3)
DWS 2020
Establish the National Water Resources and ServicesAuthority(2.1.4)
DWS,NT 2020
Review and develop comprehensive and appropriateManagement,MonitoringandReportingStructuresoftheDWSdataportal(2.2.1))
DWS Annually
Review and develop a comprehensive DWSinformationmanagementstrategytoincludeamongother:• Amended authorisation conditions to provide forself-reporting• Harmonization of monitoring actions by allresponsibleinstitutions•PerforminformationV&Vaudit(2.2.2)s
DWS Annually
Alignment of monitoring institutions to supportNationalandInternationalreportingprogrammes,e.g.SDGs,Agenda63andAMCO(2.2.3)
DWS 2021
Establish regulations on required qualifications andexperience for seniorand technicalpositions inDWS,CMAs, water boards and municipal servicesinstitutions(2.3.1)
DWS,CoGTA,SETA 2023
Develop and implement programme for recruitingexperienced technical and managerial staff first inSouthAfricaandtheninternationally(2.3.2)
DWS,CoGTA,DIRCO 2030
Define(andreinstateinsomecases)careerpathswithdefined trainingandon the jobexperience tobuildaknowledgeablesectorofprofessionals(2.3.3)
DWS, WSAs, WBs,CMAs
2023
Develop and implement institutional arrangementthat recognise the diversity of circumstances acrossSouth Africa, the legacy of Apartheid and allow forregionalcrosssubsidisation(2.4.1)
NT,DWS 2021
Develop new policies and strategies on matters notpreviously addressed, in consultation with allstakeholders,tofacilitatethesustainabilityofvariouswatersectorprogrammes(2.5.5)
DWS 2025
Improvingrawwaterquality:Invest inCommunitiesofpractise thatbring togetherbuilt and ecological infrastructure experts andsolutions(2.6.16)
DWS, DEA, SANBI,WRC,CSIR,DST
Ongoing
Continuetodoresearchon landuse impactonwaterlinkedecosystems(2.6.18)
WRC, CSIR, DEA,DWS,DAFF,ARC
Ongoing
Ongoing research, modelling and planning aroundclimatechangeand its impactsonwater securityandwaterinfrastructureneedstobeconducted(2.6.19)
DWS,DEA,DSTWRC,CSIR
Ongoing
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8 Protectingandrestoringecologicalinfrastructure
8.1 Status quo
SouthAfrica isknownfor itsrichdiversityofecosystems.Ouraquaticecosystemsincludesevenofthe world’s freshwater ecoregions, and are characterised by a wide range of river, wetland andestuarineecosystemtypes.Togetherwiththeircatchments,manyoftheseaquaticecosystemsmakeupSouthAfrica’secologicalinfrastructure(nature’sequivalentofbuiltinfrastructure)thatgeneratesanddeliversbenefitsinthewatervaluechain.Ecologicalinfrastructureiscurrentlyanunder-realisedassetthatcanplayasignificantroleinenhancingreturnsoninvestmentinbuiltinfrastructure(suchasdams),especiallyifthemaintenanceofecologicalinfrastructureisexplicitlyincorporatedintotheplanningandconstructionofbuiltinfrastructure.
Manyofourhighvalueaquaticecological infrastructureassetsarepoorlyprotected, and in someareasofthecountrytheyareunderseverepressure,forexamplefromintensiveagriculture,miningand urban sprawl that results in loss or degradation of ecosystems. Like built infrastructure,ecologicalinfrastructureneedstobemaintained,andinsomecasesrestored,inorderforitssocio-economicbenefitstoberealised.
Between 1999 and 2011 river health deteriorated across all SouthAfrica’sninewatermanagementareas.Theextentofmainrivers inSouth Africa with a poor ecological condition increased by 500%between 1999-2011 with many rivers pushed beyond the point ofrecovery. The extent of tributarieswith a poor ecological conditionincreased by 229% in this same period (see Figure 9). Healthytributaries often play a critical role in maintaining flow and waterqualityinhard-workingmainrivers.
It is estimated that South Africa has lost over 50% of itswetlands,andoftheremaining3.2millionha(lessthan5%ofSA’slandcover)athird are already in a poor condition (see Figure 10), limiting theirabilityto,forexample,regulatewaterflowandpurifywater.
Figure9:DeteriorationofecologicalconditionofSouthAfricanrivers,1999–2011(Source:Nel,J.L.&Driver,A.2015.NationalRiverEcosystemAccountsforSouthAfrica)
About50%ofSouthAfrica’swater
resourcesoriginatefrom10%ofourland.
Thesestrategicwater
sources(‘waterfactories’)mustbeprotectedand
maintainedthroughappropriateregulation.
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The lossanddegradationofecological infrastructurenegativelyaffects systemyieldand increaseswater-relatedrisks.Degradedwetlands, forexample, losetheirability toreleasewater in timesofdrought, or to recharge groundwater supplies. Degraded ecological infrastructure increases thevulnerabilityofpeopleandbuiltinfrastructuretofloodsandincreasesmaintenanceandrepaircostsonbuiltinfrastructure.Itisoftenmorecosteffectivetorehabilitateecologicalinfrastructurethantobefacedwithanongoingneedtorepairorreplacebuiltinfrastructure.
Figure10:EcologicalconditionofSouthAfricanwetlands,2011(Source:NelJ.L.andDriverA.2012.SouthAfricanNationalBiodiversityAssessment2011:TechnicalReport.Volume2:Freshwater)
8.2 Drivers
An increasing population, rapid urban expansion,widespread mining, increasing water storage andabstraction, the spread of invasive alien species and pooragriculturalpracticesarethemaindriversofdegradationofwater-related ecosystems and ecological infrastructure.Mining in strategic water source areas poses a threat towatersecurityboth in theshort-termbutalso in the long-term.
The main pressures on river ecosystems arise from thealteration of flow through dams and abstraction, thedestruction of natural vegetation along river banks, thegrowth and spreadof invasive alien species, andpollutionfrompointanddiffusesources.
The main pressures on wetland ecosystems are mining, construction, cultivation, urbandevelopment,andinadequategrazingmanagementwhichcauseserosion.
The South African Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), DWS and the Council for Scientific and IndustrialResearch (CSIR) have identified key strategic water source areas in the country which must beprotectedandmaintainedifwatersecurityistobeachieved(Figure11below).TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalAffairs(DEA)andSANBIhavereceivedfundingfromtheGlobalEnvironmentFacility
AnnuallossofwaterfromCapeTown’scatchmentsduetoinvasivealienplantsisatleastequivalenttoadamthe
sizeofWemmershoek.
Thecapacityofcatchment-basedinstitutionstoharness
thevalueofecologicalinfrastructureinthewatervaluechainneedsurgent
attention.
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(GEF) for improving financial flows for restoring ecological infrastructure and for strengtheninginstitutionalcapacityforthistask.
Figure11:Strategicwatersourceareas:the10%ofSouthAfrica’slandthatdelivers50%ofourwater
StrategicWaterSourceAreas-50%from10%:
Support>50%ofpopulation,>64%ofnationaleconomicactivity&supply±70%of
irrigationwater
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8.3 Key Actions
Action Responsibility CompletiondateDeclare strategic water source areas and criticalgroundwater recharge areas and aquatic ecosystemsrecognised as threatened or sensitive as protected areas(Volume3,Action1.6.1)
DWS, CMAs,DEA
2021
Review and promulgate aggressive restrictions within thelegislation to restore and protect ecological infrastructure(1.6.2)
DEA, DWS,CMAs, SANBI,CSIR
2020
ImplementationoftheReserve:(The classification, RQO’s and the Reserve (collectivelyknown as Resource Directed Measures (RDM)) for mainstem rivers starting with the Berg, Breede and Gouritz,MiddleandupperVaalWMA’s)(1.6.3)
DWS,CMAs 2022
Secure funds for restoration and ongoing maintenance ofecologicalinfrastructurethroughoperationalisingthewaterpricingstrategy(1.6.4)
DWS, CMAs,DEA,SANBI
Annually
Developand implementadiffusepollutionsourcestrategythatincludestheregulationoflanduse(1.5.14)
DWS,CMAs 2023
ImplementprogrammestorehabilitatecatchmentsthroughdevelopmentofCatchmentbusinessplans(1.5.15)
DWS, NT,CMAs
2025
Develop new policies and strategies on matters notpreviouslyaddressed, inconsultationwithallstakeholders,to facilitate the sustainability of various water sectorprogrammes(2.5.5)
DWS 2025
Link the Global Environment Fund 6 project on WaterPricing and Ecosystems to Water Master PlanimplementationandpositionDWStobecloselyinvolvedinthisprocess(2.6.17)
DWS, DEA,SANBI, WRC,CSIR
2024
Ongoing research, modelling and planning around climatechange and its impacts on water security and waterinfrastructureneedstobeconducted(2.6.19)
DWS, DEA,DST, WRC,CSIR
Ongoing
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Section 2: Enabling Environment
9 Creatingeffectivewatersectorinstitutions
9.1 Status quo
The state water and sanitationsector is currently comprised of alarge number of institutionswith acomplex suite of functions dividedamongst them, which creates anoverlycomplexvaluechain.
The Department of Water andSanitation (DWS) is the executivearm of national governmentresponsible, amongst other things,for water and sanitation policy,regulation of water supply andsanitation provision, oversight ofwater sector institutions, waterresources planning, operation andmaintenanceof320largedamsandassociated bulk infrastructure,regulation of water use and thecollectionandassessmentofwaterdata.
The Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) is responsible forensuring that all municipalities perform their basic responsibilities and functions consistently,includingsupportingthedeliveryofmunicipalservicestotherightqualityandstandard;promotinggoodgovernance, transparencyandaccountability;andensuringsound financialmanagementandaccounting.However, in relation towater supply and sanitation,DWS is the accountablenationaldepartment.
TheSouthAfricanLocalGovernmentAssociation(SALGA)isanautonomousassociationofallSouthAfrican local governments, with the mandate to represent, promote and protect the interests oflocalgovernmentsandtoraisetheprofileoflocalgovernment.
NationalTreasury(NT)playsacriticalrole inthewaterandsanitationsector,notonlythroughtheprovisionofgrantsforwaterandsanitationprovision,butalsothroughtheiroversightofmunicipalfinances. In2017they introducedamunicipalstandardchartofaccounts (mSCOA)whichenforcesthe uniform collection of local government transactional information including on assetmanagementandmaintenance.TheTransCaledonTunnelAuthority(TCTA)wasinitiallyestablishedtofundtheLesothoHighlandsWaterProject(LHWP),butsubsequentlydirectedbytheMinistertofundandimplementavarietyofwaterresourceprojectsasanimplementingagentforDWS.
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Only two (2) of the nine (9) envisaged catchment management agencies (CMAs) have beenestablished intermsoftheNationalWaterAct.NofunctionshavebeendelegatedtothesebodieswhicharethereforecurrentlyonlyresponsibleforthelimitedinitialfunctionsofaCMAsassetoutintheAct.
Waterboards,establishedintermsoftheWaterServicesAct,haveaprimaryfunctionofprovidingwaterservicestootherwaterservicesinstitutionsandwithsecondaryfunctionswhichcouldincludesupportingmunicipalities.
144municipalities are designated asWSAs, responsible for the constitutionallymandated task ofsupplying potable water and sanitation services, either as water service providers (WSPs)themselves,orexternallythroughthirdpartyWSPs.
Atpresent,some90WaterUserAssociations(WUAs)and177IrrigationBoards(IBs)existtomanagecommonwaterresources,insomecasesincludinginfrastructureforirrigationandsomeoftheseforgovernmentwaterschemes(GWS).
There are transboundary watercourse commissions in the Orange Senqu, the Limpopo andInkoMaputo basins, aswell as KOBWA (Komati basinwater authority) and the LesothoHighlandsWater Commission which are responsible for transboundary integrated water resourcemanagement.
The Water Research Commission (WRC) commissions research into water and sanitation issues,funded by a levy paid by water users. The WRC thus exists to drive research, development andinnovation(RDI)strategy,fundresearchactivitiesandorganisationsandsynergisewithpartnerstoshiftsolutionstopractice.
9.2 Drivers
There are several challenges associated with the currentinstitutional arrangements that need to be addressed tocreate appropriate and effective institutions with clearmandates, not least the overly complex value chain ofinstitutionscurrentlyinplace.
DWS ispolicymaker, regulator, implementerandoperatorofwater resource infrastructureandactsasCMAs inmostofthecountry.Someoftheseroleshavepotentialconflictsofinterest,while,waterresourcesregulation,whichislocalinnature,couldbeperformedbetterbymoredecentralisedinstitutions.
TheinstitutionallandscapeofthewatersectorinSouthAfricamustbesimplifiedtoimproveefficiency.Alackoftransformationincertain
areasmustalsobeaddressed.
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All irrigation boards should have been transformed intoWUAs by 1999. A policy position that allWUAsand IBswill ceasetoexist in futurewasapprovedbyCabinet in2013.AroadmaphasbeendevelopedtotransformallIBsandWUAsintolocalwaterresourcesmanagementinstitutions.
ThechallengesfacedbyWSAsareaddressedunderthesectiononwatersupplyandsanitation.
InstitutionalRationalisationandOrganisationalAlignment isurgently requiredand is supportedbythe Presidential review on StateOwned Enterprises (SOEs). However, implementation of changesmustnotimpactnegativelyontheimplementationofotheraspectsofthisplan.
9.3 Key Actions
DWS,astheleaderofthewaterandsanitationsector,willleadaprocess,withothersectorpartners,to simplify and streamline the currently complex institutional arrangements in the sector. Inaddition,itwilldriveincreasedfunctionalityandefficiencyininstitutionalarrangements,asfollows:
Action Responsibility CompletiondateDevelopandimplementalong-termplanfortheturn-around of water supply and sanitationservices in the country based on a sector-wideapproach, that recognises DWS as regulator ofW&Sprovisionthatincludesthedevelopmentofcentralisedprogrammestoobtaineconomiesofscale and to ensure impact (e.g. drivingmunicipal non-revenue-water improvements,and assessing the cost-effectiveness andappropriate systems for desalination) (Volume3,Action1.3.1)
DWS, CoGTA, NT,SALGA
Annually
Develop and implement Provincial WaterServices Delivery Master Plans to providereliable and sustainable water supply andsanitationtoallhouseholdswithinSouthAfrica:•ProvincialBulkServicesMasterPlans• Reliable Services Delivery Action Plans thatincludes a backlog analysis and infrastructureassetmanagementplans(1.3.6)
DWS, WSAs,CoGTA, SALGA,NT,WBs
2030
Establish a business case for streamlinedinstitutional arrangements in the water andsanitationsector(2.1.1)
DWS 2020
Establish a Municipal Intervention Unit forWater and Sanitation in DWS, staffed withhighly competent experts to drive a nationalprogramme of intervention at the municipallevel(2.1.2)
DWS 2022
Transform allWUAs into Localwater resourcesmanagement institutions as per the developedroadmap(2.1.7)
DWS, WBs,WRMI,CMAs
2021
EstablishfinanciallysustainableCMAsacrossthecountry, and transfer staff and budget anddelegatedfunctions,includinglicensingofwateruse and monitoring and evaluation of waterresources(2.1.3)
DWS 2020
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Action Responsibility CompletiondateEstablish the National Water Resources andServicesAuthority(2.1.4)
DWS,NT 2020
Determine the optimal configuration of waterboards to manage regional bulk water supply;assist municipalities to perform their primarywater and sanitation services mandate wherenecessary, manage regional water resourcesinfrastructure,manageregionalbulkWTWsandWWTWs(2.1.5)
DWS,WBs 2020
Establish the National Water Resources andServicesRegulator(NWRSR)(2.1.6)
DWS,NT 2020
Implement accurate billing and effectiverevenuemanagement systems in all entities inthewatervaluechainwithastrict“Nopayment=nowater” approach toagriculture/industrial/commercial users and restricted supply todomesticusers(2.4.2)
WSAs,WBs,DWS,AGSA
2024
Ensure that sufficient revenue is receivedthrough tariffs and grants to operate,maintainand improve the water supply and sanitationsystem.Thetariffstructuremustallowforcrosssubsidisation for the indigent and building of areserveforperiodsofdrought(2.4.5)
WSAs,WBs,DWS,NT,AGSA
2024
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10 Managingdataandinformation
10.1 Status quo
Reliable data, information and knowledge on the status of the country’s water resources, watersupply and sanitation is required to understand and enable spatial and non-spatial analysis andpresentation of water use and water demand including the manner in which various economic,social and environmental activities in catchments affect (consume, pollute, increase) or constrain(limit,degrade)waterquality,quantityandecosystems.DWShasdevelopedasystematicknowledgebaseandassociatedknowledgeproductsoftheirwaterservicesandresourcesbusinesswiththeaimtosharetheknowledge inthepublicdomain. Information isavailable inaGeographic InformationSystem (GIS) format as well as various separate and supporting formats that are of non-spatialnature.
Water resources data includes regular measurementsofrainfall,streamflow,damlevels,andofchemicalandbiological determinants based on a well-establishednetwork of monitoring points. It further includesinformation on the ecological properties of waterresources,bothsurfaceandgroundwater.Thecoverageof rainfall and runoff gauging in the country has,however,beenallowedtodeteriorateandmanyrainfallmeasurementstationsandgaugingweirsarenolongerfunctional. The South African Weather Service andHydroNET joined forces to provide reliable weatherinformation.HydroNETisaweb-baseddecisionsupport
systemwhich transfersweatherandwaterdata into sophisticatedapplicationsanddashboards tomakewell-informedandtransparentdecisions.
InformationonwaterandsanitationinfrastructureandrelatedsupplyinformationascapturedintheWater Services / Regulation Systems Menu maintained by DWS, are also critical for effectivemanagement of water and sanitation. The DWS has initiated the development of a NationalIntegrated Water Information System (NIWIS) as integrator of existing DWS programmes andinformation systems in order to ensure that sector decision-makers have access to the best datapossible. DWS recognises that reliable data is also required on the performance of water sectorinstitutions and on the state of water and sanitation assets in order to monitor progress on theimplementationoftheNW&SMP,andinordertomonitorprogresstowardsthegoalssetoutintheSecond Edition of theNationalWater Resources Strategy (NWRS2) and theNDP. Current data onwaterauthorisationanduseiscapturedintheWARMSdatabase.TheMuSSAprogramme,togetherwith its supportingdatabases is also an important tool to assess the capacities and constraintsofwaterservicesinstitutions.
WhileDWShasworkedalongsidesectorpartnersinthedevelopmentofotherambitiousregulatoryand/orbenchmarkingdatabases,suchastheNationalBenchmarkingInitiativeundertakenbySALGA,the WRC and the South African Association of Water Utilities (SAAWU), these exercises haveunfortunately never achieved full coverage and most have been allowed to lapse. It is also ahinderance that there are insufficient, accessible and up-to-date information available within theDWSonsupportingdatasets suchasagriculturalactivities,energygeneration,water requirements
Inadequatedataandinformationresultingfromaweakmonitoring
systemposeshighriskstodecisionmakingandplanningandurgentlyneedtobeaddressedthroughtheformalisationofaneffectivenationalhydrological
monitoringcentre
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for all sectors – various scales, socio-economic data or scenario planning, to assist in watermanagementandgovernanceactivities.
Todate,oneofthemoresuccessfulandinformativeregulatoryprogrammeswastheBlueDropandGreenDropcertificationdevelopedandoperatedforanumberofyearsbyDWS,butwhichhasnowlapsed.ThesameappliestotheNoDropprogrammethatfocusedonwaterconservationandwaterdemand management. A key element of success of these initiatives was that the informationgenerated by these programmes was made available to the broader public and in many casespromoted consumer confidence and greater transparency in service delivery. Currently the mostreliable information on municipal financial performance is maintained in the National Treasurydatabases, but unfortunately water and sanitation financial information is still not clearly ring-fenced.
10.2 Drivers
Effective information management, monitoring and evaluation is crucial for the successfulmanagement and regulation of water resources or water services as it creates the platform toinitiate interventions /actions,understand trends,adaptmanagementplansappropriatelyorplaneffectivelyforthefuture.Thisisparticularlycriticalinanenvironmentfacingsignificantchange.Thelackofdataandinformationresultingfromweakmonitoringsystems,informationsystemsthatareoutdatedornotmaintained,poseahighrisktotheachievementofthegoalssetoutintheNWRS2andtheNW&SMP.
Therefore, improved and modernised information systems must be developed in support of theimplementation of the NW&SMP and continue to build and expand on the suite of knowledgeproducts and communication channels that are utilised to share knowledge in a customizedmanner.Spatialandnon-spatialdatasetsshouldbepackagedastime-seriesknowledgeproductssuch as atlases, interactive dataset exploration and visualization toolkits (appropriate charts,maps and schematic). Online mapping and interfacing with modelling tools inclusive ofsystematicmetadataandfactsheetsontheknowledgebaseshouldalsobeincluded.Inaddition,therewillbeaneedtoincludeothernon-spatialdataandinformationsuchasexistinginformation,mapsreports,dataonpolicies,programs,andprojects,institutionalinformationtonameafew.
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10.3 Key Actions
Action Responsibility CompletiondateRevitalisetheGreen,BlueandNoDropprogrammesandpublish results. Revise and establish norms andstandardstobeappliedintheGreen,BlueandNoDropprogrammes(Volume3,Action1.4.1)
DWS,WSAs Annually
Reviewanddevelopandimplementcomprehensiveandappropriate Management, Monitoring and ReportingStructuresoftheDWSdataportal(2.2.1)
DWS Annually
Review, develop and implement a comprehensive DWSinformationandknowledgemanagementstrategytoincludeamongother:•Amendedauthorisationconditions toprovide for self-reporting•Harmonizationofmonitoringactionsbyallresponsibleinstitutions•PerforminformationV&Vaudits(2.2.2)
DWS Annually
AlignmentofmonitoringinstitutionstosupportNationaland International reporting requirements andprogrammes,e.g.SDGs,Agenda63andAMCO(2.2.3)
DWS 2021
Monitor, review, evaluate, report on and updateNW&SMP(2.7.4)
DPME,DWS Annual report toParliament
11 Buildingcapacityforaction11.1 Status Quo
The NW&SMP sets out the challenges that must be addressed to ensure a secure water future.Thesewillnotbeachievedwithoutaddressingtheissueofcapacity–theskilledpeoplerequiredtoundertakethework.
A skills gap analysis conducted by the WRC in 2015, looking at numbers of staff and their skillsrelativetorequiredskills,showedsignificantskillsgapsinwatersector institutions, includingDWS,CMAs,waterboardsandmunicipalities.
On the positive side, the number of Civil Engineering graduates doubled between 2010 and 2015fromapproximately1000to2000graduatesperyear.Itisnotclearhowmanyofthesegraduatesseekworkinthewaterandsanitationsector.Othergraduatenumberswithqualificationsthatapplytothewaterandsanitationsectoralsoincreaseddramaticallyinthisperiod,leadingtonoshortageofsciencegraduatedapplyingtoworkinthesector.However,thechallengeofappointingqualifiedandexperiencedstaffwillremain,particularlyinruralmunicipalities.
TheEnergyandWaterSectorEducationandTrainingAuthority(EWSETA) is theskillsdevelopmentauthorityservingthewaterandsanitationsector.
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11.2 Drivers
ImplementingtheNW&SMPrequirestherightmixofskillsandexpertiseinthewaterandsanitationsector. This includes the capacity expressed as number of persons and skills expressed byqualificationandexperience required to fulfil the requirements inwater resourcesandwaterandsanitationservicesplanning,managementandoperations.Acriticalneedistousetheexpertiseofexperiencedwatermanagerstomentoranddevelopyoungerandlessexperiencedmanagersinthewaterandsanitationsectorincluding,butnotlimitedto,themunicipalsector.
11.3 Key Actions
Action Responsibility Completiondate
Establish regulations on required qualifications andexperience for senior and technical positions in DWS,CMAs, water boards and municipal services institutions(Volume3,Action2.3.1)
DWS, CoGTA,SETA
2023
Develop and implement programme for recruitingexperienced technicalandmanagerial staff in firstSouthAfricaandtheninternationally(2.3.2)
DWS, CoGTA,DIRCO
2030
Define (and reinstate in some cases) career paths withdefined training and on the job experience to build aknowledgeablesectorofprofessionals(2.3.3)
DWS,WSAs,WBs,CMAs
2023
Developandimplementamandatory,modularhands-onqualification for municipal water managers (technicalmanager) to be run over 18 months and accredited byEWSETA to include aspects such as asset management,tariffs and revenuemanagement, droughtmanagement,stakeholderengagementandcustomerrelations(2.3.4)
DWS, EWSETA,Institutions ofHigherLearning
Ongoing
Partnerwith institutionstofundtrainingofwatersectorpractitioners in the curation, management and use ofdataaswellastheassociatedtechnologies(2.3.5)
DWS,EWSETA Ongoing
Initiate a focused research capability initiative in watersectoreconomicstoaddressthisexistingskillsgap(2.3.6)
DWS, WRC, CSIR,DST
Ongoing
Continue to develop high end skills (post graduate) toensure a future science, technology and innovationcapabilityinSouthAfrica(2.3.7)
DWS, DST, NRF,WRC,CSIR,thedti(THRIP)
Ongoing
Continue to support programmes that enabledevelopment of critical skills and exposure to emerginginnovations(e.g.YoungEngineersProgramme)(2.3.8)
SALGA, DST,WRC, CSIR, DWS,CoGTA,MISA
Ongoing
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12 EnsuringFinancialSustainability12.1 Status Quo
Thewaterandsanitationsector is currentlynot financially sustainable. Fundingneedsareon theincrease and available funding is limited due to the economic recession, reduced revenues andaccumulating debt. The financial health of the water and sanitation sector is challenged by thefollowingfactors:
• Lack of understanding of the strategic value of water (particularly the importance of watersecurity);
• Degradationofexistingassetvalue(backlogsinoperations,maintenanceandrefurbishment);
• Fundinggap(expectationsexceedingcurrentcapacity);
• Waterusenotoptimised(lackofdemandmanagement,waterallocationsinsufficient);
• Highnon-revenuewater (non-payingusers, insufficient revenuemanagement system,growingdebt);
• BacklogsonFreeBasicWatersupplyandsanitationprovision(stillcatchingup);
• Inefficientsectorinstitutions(complexstructureandgovernedunderdifferentlegislation);
• Fiscalconstraints(limitedcapacitybyfiscustoprovidefundingorguarantees);
• Tariffsnotcost-reflective(under-recovery,agriculturalsubsidies);
• Capacityconstraints(lackofskillsandintegrated,practicalsupportprogrammes);
• Non-alignmentonprioritiesandstrategicvalueofwater;
• Institutionsnotcreditworthy(financiallyconstrainedmunicipalities-especiallyinruralareas);
• Privatesectorparticipationnotoptimized;
• Reducingwaterquality(increasingcostsandenvironmentalrisks);and
• Value-for-moneyprocurementnotoptimal.
The South African water sector is in decline withhighly vulnerable municipalities characterised bydeclining levels of service, a continued increase incustomerdissatisfaction,risinglevelsofunpaidbillsand aging infrastructure. In terms of theVulnerability Assessment report8, 78% ofmunicipalities rate between `high’ and `extreme’ in terms of vulnerability. The dire situation isconfirmedbyNo-DropandGreenDropReportswhichshowhigh levelsofnon-revenuewaterandlargenumbersofwastewatertreatmentworksnotmeetingthedischargestandards.
Funding of the water sector comprises capital for infrastructure development, operation andmaintenance(O&M)alongthewatersupplychain,aswellasfundingforgovernance(plan,organize,lead and control) and effective management of water and sanitation services provisioning.
8DepartmentofWaterandSanitation(DWS).2015.MunicipalStrategicSelf-Assessment(MuSSA)
Aturn-aroundtowardsfinancialsustainabilityisnotoptionalandrequiresdedicated,
purposefulinterventionandaseriousmind-shiftbyallstakeholders
aroundtowardsfinancialsustainability
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TheCapitalrequirementofthesectortotalsapproximatelyR90billionperannum,comprisingaboutR70 billion for water supply infrastructure from source to end-user and about R20 billion forsanitationandwastewatercollectionandtreatment.
A funding gap of R 333 billion is anticipated over the next 10 years between funding required(R898billion) and available funding (R 565 billion). This funding gap of R 33,3 billion per annummust be reduced through purposeful interventions such as policy reviews, enhanced regulation,implementation of cost efficiency measures and proper management of user expectation anddemands.
FundingGapoverthenextdecade
The capital replacement value of the existing water andsanitation infrastructure was estimated at R1362 billion in2017. The existing assets are however also depreciating,resultinginacurrentbookvalueoftheinfrastructureofaboutR584billion,or43%ofcapitalreplacementcost9.Theoperationalrealityisthatexistinginfrastructurewas“stretched”becauseofsignificant underinvestment in infrastructure maintenance anddelaysinrenewalofagedinfrastructurewhichhasresultedinanaccumulated backlog in refurbishment of R 59 billion. Nationalguidelinestarget8%ofassetreplacementvaluetobesetasideformaintenance.Properlife-cycleassetmanagementisrequiredtoaddressthebacklog.Goodassetmanagementactionswilloptimiseassetlifeandimprovereturnoninvestment.
AvailablecapitalinvestmentinwaterinfrastructureisintheorderofR40toR42billionperannum,whileinvestmentinsanitationisapproximatelyR13toR15billionperannum,totallingR55billionforthesector10.However,capitalinvestmentoverthenext10yearsofatleastR90billionperannumisrequired,isbasedonthefollowingpriorityneeds:
• remainingbackloginbasicwaterandsanitationservices(atcurrentstreettapservicelevels);
• criticalrefurbishmentbacklogs(causedbypoormaintenance);
• criticalrenewalsofagedinfrastructure;
• provisionforwaterresourcedevelopmentsidentifiedinDWSplanningstudies;and
• provision of new bulk, connector and reticulation infrastructure to meet the demands ofpopulationgrowthandagreedwateruseextensionsaimedatpromotingeconomicgrowth.
9DepartmentofWaterandSanitation(DWS).2018.NationalWaterInvestmentFramework10DepartmentofWaterandSanitation(DWS).2017.NationalWaterInvestmentFramework.NationalTreasury.2017.DivisionofRevenueAct
• Infrastructureisageing(57%depreciated)andneedsurgentrefurbishmentandrenewal.
• RefurbishmentbacklogofR59billionneedsaboutR12billionperannumover5yearstorecover.
• RenewalbacklogtotalR332billionwithR125billionapriorityneed
FundingRequirement FundingAvailable FundingGap
• R333billion(37%)• R565billion• R898billion
- =
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Annual operating expenditure in the water and sanitation sector is estimated at R 100 to R 120billionperannum11.This isafirst-orderestimateaswaterandsanitationservicesarecurrentlynotring-fenced in municipal accounting. The current revenue from water and sanitation servicesamounts to R72 billion per annum along the full water and wastewater supply chain. Operatinggrantsareprimarily fromEquitableShareandtotalanadditionalR29billionperannum,basedontheDoRAallocation guidelines. The Equitable Share is however unconditional, andmunicipalitiescanuseitatowndiscretion.ThetotalfundingforwaterandsanitationoperationsisestimatedatR98billion, if the full revenue isallocatedtooperationandmaintenance.Revenue ishowever,alsoneeded to finance capital, which decreases the available funding for operation proportionally. AfundinggapforgoodoperationsisestimatedatR5billionifallwaterservicesrevenueisallocatedtooperationsoruptoR10billionperannumifrevenueiscommittedtonewcapitalfinancing.
Anadditionalchallengereferredtoabove,isthatthegovernanceofthewatersectorisfragmentedbetweendifferentActs(legislation)anddifferentinstitutions,whichmakesitdifficulttoresolvethefinancialchallengesconfrontingthesector,particularlyatmunicipallevel.
Finally, the realityof the sector is that fundingoptionsare limited. Thereareessentiallyonly twomeanstopayforcapitalandoperationofinfrastructure,beingeithertaxes(national)and/ortariffs(users). Economic infrastructure represents infrastructurewhere the investment canbe recoveredfromusers (tariffs),whereassocial infrastructure is relianton fiscal funding(taxes).Mostschemescompriseofeconomicandsocialuseandrequireacombinedfundingapproach.
Thebalanceof the funding requirements canadequatelybeaddressed through loansand fundingstructures. However, loanfundingisnot“newfunding”,butisusedtoaddressimmediatefundingneedstoberepaidoveralonger-termwithinterestfromfuturetariffs.Affordabilityoftariffsshouldthereforebecarefullyestablishedbeforeloansarecommitted.Loansprovideimmediaterelief,butincreasepressureonfuturetariffsanddebtobligationsforfuturegenerations.Loanfundingshouldbelimitedtocapitalinvestmentandnotbeappliedtofundoperatingcosts.
Therealityisthatvariousfundingstructuresareavailablewhichmeritconsideration.Whilstprojectfinance will continue to be applied to fund large infrastructure projects, smaller projects couldbenefitfromalternativefundingoptionsofferedbythemarket.
Theabilitytoraisefundingisconstrainedbylowcreditratings.ApartfromtheTCTAandlargerwaterboards andmetropolitanmunicipalities, the sector generally lacks the capacity to raise long-termdebtandappropriatelymanagetheassociatedrisks.
Funding for specificactivities isalsoavailable from internationaldonor sources suchas theGlobalEnvironmentalFacility,AdaptationFundandGreenClimateFund.Dedicatedfundingwillberequiredto implement the interventions identified in the entire Master Plan including project planning,programme management, sector coordination, implementation monitoring, and performanceregulation. Current funding of water and sanitation services functions in national, provincial andlocal government institutions must be reviewed, adjusted and augmented where necessary toensurethatthereisadequatecapacityandresourcingtoimplementtheNW&SMP.
ThefundingoftheinitialimplementationoftheNW&SMPhasbeenconsidered,butwillbereviewedannuallyastheplanitselfisreviewed.Inthe2018/19financialyear,thebudgetofthewatersectoris largelyset,asare theactions for thevariousorgansofstate in thesector, throughtheirannual11DWSandNationalTreasury.2017.NationalWaterInvestmentFramework&MunicipalBudgetDataBase
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performanceplans.ThisNW&SMPwill,therefore,begintomakemostimpactonthesectorfromthe2019/20 financial year onwards when it will substantially begin to influence reprioritisation ofbudgets, cost savings, and the identification of options for additional sources of money over time.Someof theactionsproposed in thisplan, suchas the implementationofwaterconservationanddemandmeasures,mayrequireup-frontinvestmentwhichwillcontributesubstantiallytoimprovedfinancialsustainabilityovertime.
12.2 Drivers
Water and sanitation infrastructure is capital intensive and thesectorisfacedwithincreasingfundingneedswhilstfiscalfundingislimited.Thecurrentdependencyonthefiscustodevelopthesectorwillneedtobeaddressedthroughpurposefulinterventions.
AlthoughfundingisacriticalenablertoachievetheobjectivesoftheMasterPlan, the implementationof theplan, including in termsofregulation, anti-corruption, efficiencies and enforcement, will be the enabler to attract value-for-moneyfunding,makingtheMasterPlancriticaltoachievingfinancialsustainability.
The following drivers will play a key role to maintain positive cash flows and affordable servicedelivery:
• Reducecosts
o Delay replacement of existing assets through proper operations, maintenance andrefurbishment;
o Reducedemandandphysicalwaterlosses;
o Addressagriculturalsectorbenefitingfromalargesubsidyonthepriceofwater.
• Increaserevenue
o Increaseinrevenuecollectivelyconsidersthecostofwater(pricing)aswellasrevenuemanagement(metering,billingandcollection);
o Amindset-shiftisrequiredbyusersandwaterutilitieswithregardtothevalueofwater.Scarcity of water should increase the value of water and enforce water demand andconservationmeasuresforsustainablewaterusebetweencompetinguses.
• Increasefiscaltransfers
o Furtherfiscaltransferswouldbeunlockedifcostefficienciesandrevenuechallengesareaddressed;
o IncreaseGovernmentsupportforfundingstructures.
• Increaseloanfunding
o IncreaseloanfundingthroughtheprivatesectorandsimplifyPPPstructures;
o Ring-fencewaterrevenueandgrantsintendedforloanrepayment.
Insupportoftheabove,thefollowingpointerscouldbeconsidered:
• Establish integrated long-termcashflowplantomapthefullcapitalandoperatingcostsalongthefullinfrastructurelife-cycle;
Toachievefinancialsustainability,costsneedtodecrease,andrevenueneedsto
increase.
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• Determinefundingrequiredtoimplementthe“turn-around”infinancialhealth;
• Implement dedicated programme and governance. A Systematic “turn-around” requiresinclusivepoliticalsupport,institutionalmandate,leadership,aformalprogrammeanddedicatedfunding;
• AssessappropriatefundingoptionsfromTransfers–PublicSectorFocus,Revenue–UserFocus,Loans–PrivateSectorFocusoracombinedapproach/Blendedfunding;and
• Addressrawwateraswellaspotablewatertariffsandrevenuecollection.
12.3 Key Actions
Action Responsibility Completiondate
Setcaponwaterusewithreducingtargetsovertime(Volume3,Action1.1.2)
DWS, CMAs, WSAs,CoGTA
2030
Developandimplementalong-termplanfortheturn-aroundofwatersupplyandsanitationservices inthecountrybasedonasector-wideapproach,thatrecognisesDWSasregulatorof W&S provision that includes the development ofcentralisedprogrammestoobtaineconomiesofscaleandtoensure impact (e.g. driving municipal non-revenue-waterimprovements, and assessing the cost-effectiveness andappropriatesystemsfordesalination)(1.3.1)
DWS, CoGTA, NT,SALGA
Annually
Implement the Waste Discharge Charge System (WDCS) inprioritycatchments(SA5,SA41,SA42,SA43&SA44)(1.5.8)
NT,DWS,CMAs 2030
EnsurefiscalsupportforIWQM(SA38&SA39)(1.5.11) DWS,WSAs 2021
Establish a business case for streamlined institutionalarrangementsinthewaterandsanitationsector(2.1.1)
DWS 2020
Develop and implement institutional arrangements thatrecognise thediversityof circumstancesacross SouthAfrica,the legacy of Apartheid and allow for regional crosssubsidisation(2.4.1)
NT,DWS 2021
Implement accurate billing and effective revenuemanagementsystems inallentities in thewatervaluechainwith a strict “No payment = no water” approach toagriculture/industrial/commercialusersandrestrictedsupplytodomesticusers(2.4.2)
WSAs, WBs, DWS,AGSA
2024
Allconditionalgrantstobedependentonmeetingofcurrentpaymentstothenextentityinthevaluechain,improvementsto Blue Drop, Green Drop and No Drop Scores to meetingtargets and audit outcome. Allow conditional grants to beusedforoperationalcosts(2.4.3)
NT,AGSA,DWS 2023
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Action Responsibility Completiondate
Develop regulations in terms of Section 139 (8) of theConstitution,whichallows for anational entity to takeoverthewaterservicefunctions,includingrevenueandbilling,inamunicipalityifservicedelivercriteriaarenotmet(2.4.4)
DWS,CoGTA 2022
Ensurethatsufficientrevenueisreceivedthroughtariffsandgrants to operate, maintain and improve the water supplyand sanitation system. The tariff structure must allow forcrosssubsidisationforthe indigentandbuildingofareserveforperiodsofdrought(2.4.5)
WSAs, WBs, DWS,NT,AGSA
2024
In all entities put in place mechanisms to deal withaccumulateddebts(2.4.6)
WSAs, WBs, DWS,NT,AGSA
2020
Roll out of ring-fenced institutional models to increaseprivatesectorinvestment(2.4.7)
DWS,NT,CoGTA 2021
National Treasury – linkage to Medium Term SectorExpenditureFramework(MTSEF)(2.4.8)
NT,DWS Ongoing
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13 Amendingthelegislation
13.1 Status quo
ThewatersectorisgovernedprimarilybytwoActs:TheNationalWaterAct(Act36of1998),whichgoverns theuse,protection,development,managementandcontrolof rawwater,and theWaterServices Act (Act 108 of 1997)which governs the provision ofwater and sanitation services. TheNationalWaterActhasbeenamendedtwicesinceitwaspromulgated:byAct45of1999andbyAct27of2014.TheWaterServicesActwasamendedbyAct30of2004.Inaddition,theWaterResearchCommissionwasestablishedundertheWaterResearchAct(Act34of1971).TheMunicipalFinancialManagementAct(MFMA),theMunicipalSystemsAct(Act32of2000)andtheMunicipalStructuresAct(Act117of1998)alsogovernwaterandsanitationservicesatthemunicipallevel.TheMunicipalSystemsActgoverns thepowersand functionsallocated toWaterServicesAuthorities. ThePublicFinanceManagementAct (PFMA)governs financialmattersatnationalandprovincialgovernmentlevel.
AsdiscussedelsewhereinthisCalltoAction,thereisacknowledgementthatthecurrentlegislativeenvironment isoverlycomplex, insufficientlystreamlinedandhamperingeffectiveservicedelivery,the attainment of transformation objectives and the leveraging of economic growth. TheDepartment ofWater and Sanitationwill therefore lead a process that ensures thatwater sectorlegislationisamendedandaligned,andreadyforthefutureandaheadofthecurve.
13.2 Drivers
Learningfrompractise,intheimplementationoftheNationalWaterActandtheWaterServicesActover the years since their promulgation, certain issues have been identified that requireamendment.Asaresult,someoftheamendmentstobetabledforconsiderationmayaimto:
• Alignthelegislationtosubsequentpolicydecisionsincluding:
o introducingmechanismstoenforcethepolluterpaysprinciple
o the‘Use-ItorLose-it’principleunderwhichanywaterwhichisnotutilisedrevertstothestate
o theremovaloftemporaryorpermanenttradingbetweenauthorisedwaterusers
o equityastheprimaryconsiderationinwaterallocation
o adoptingamultiplewateruseapproachinplanninginfrastructure
o theroleofDWSinplanningforregionalbulkwaterinfrastructure
o freebasicwaterandfreebasicsanitationtobeprovidedtoindigenthouseholdsonly
o theoptimalconfigurationof,powersandfunctionsofWaterBoardsandWaterServicesAuthorities
o theestablishmentofCMAs,and
o thealignmentofappealfunctionswithNEMAandotherappealmechanisms.
• Addressissuespertainingtoownershipofwaterandsanitationinfrastructure,differentiallevelsofserviceforsanitation,andappropriatetechnologiesforsanitation
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• EmpowertheMinistertoeffectivelyregulatethewatersupplyandsanitationsector
• Addressissuespertainingtowateruseauthorisation
• Enablethesettingof tariffs for thewholevaluechain linkedto levelsofserviceandeconomicconditions,
• Enabletheprotectionofstrategicwatersourceareasand
• Ensure linkages between spatial planning and the NW&SMP and create the mandate for aNationalWaterandSanitationStrategy.
Inaddition, theWaterResearchAct,nowover40yearsold,mustbeamendedtoalign tocurrentgovernance best practice, contemporary institutional arrangements, and the PFMA. A WaterResearchAmendmentBillhasbeendeveloped,whichwillbetabledbeforeParliament.
13.3 Actions
Action Responsibility CompletionDateGazettetheNationalWaterAmendmentBill,WaterServices Amendment Bill and Water ResearchAmendmentBill(Volume3,Action2.5.1)
DWS, PortfolioCommittee, StandingCommittee
2021
Hold public consultation on National WaterAmendment Bill, Water Services Amendment BillandWaterResearchAmendmentBill(2.5.2)
DWS, PortfolioCommittee, StandingCommittee
2022
Revise and promulgate the National WaterAmendment Bill, Water Services Amendment Bill,andtheWaterResearchAmendmentAct(2.5.3)
DWS, PortfolioCommittee, StandingCommittee
2023
Review the Municipal Financial Management Act(MFMA)andtheMunicipalSystemsAct(specificallychapter8)toensurethattheyprovideanenablingenvironmentfortheprovisionofreliablewaterandsanitationservices(2.5.4)
NT, DWS, CoGTA,SALGA
2020
Developnewpoliciesandstrategiesonmattersnotpreviously addressed, in consultation with allstakeholders, to facilitate the sustainability ofvariouswatersectorprogrammes(2.5.5)
DWS 2025
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14 EnhancingResearch,developmentandinnovation
14.1 Status quo
South Africa has received international recognition for its water and sanitation research anddevelopmentwith several internationally recognisedproducts and solutions.Despite this, there isstill much to be done in maturing how we shift new solutions into practise. Getting this rightdemands a highly coordinated system of institutions supporting innovation, demonstration,validationanddeployment.
Thereisanactivearrayofinstitutionsengagedindifferentaspectsofwaterresearch,developmentand innovation to start building from. TheWRC is the leading funder ofwater research in SouthAfrica. It is funded from water user charges and leverages additional resources from variouspartnerships and programmes. Various government departments are involved with funding andsupporting research and innovation activities in different ways. There is also a range of sciencecouncils,tertiaryacademicinstitutions,non-profitorganisationsandprivatesectorroleplayersthatareinvolvedindevelopingandsupportingwaterresearchandinnovation.
Whilstthereisarichinstitutionalandskillsenvironmenttodrawfrom;waterresearch,developmentandinnovationcontinuestofacearangeofchallengesincluding:poorcoordinationandsynergisingofactivitiesbetweeninstitutions;aweakunderstandingoftheroleofallwatersectororganisationsin driving innovation and shifting solutions to practise, challenges in scaling up of solutions to beready for the market, and highly limited funding for innovation (particularly in its scale up/deploymentstages).Thisresultsinmanysolutionsthatemergefromtheresearchanddevelopmentspacenotbeing implemented inpractise. For SouthAfrica tobe ready for the futurewemustbeable to address the innovation chasm where emerging solutions fail to be tested at scale ordevelopedintoviablebusinessthatareabletoengagewithdifferentpublicandprivatesectorroleplayers.
TobettersynergiseSouthAfricaninstitutionsinvolvedinwaterinnovationaroundthedifferentgapsandopportunitiesofthesector,theDepartmentofScienceandTechnology(DST)hascollaboratedwiththeDWSandtheWRCtodevelopaWaterResearch,DevelopmentandInnovationRoadmap.
This Roadmap identifies RDI gaps and opportunitiesand orientates the sector towards addressing theseopportunities in a more coordinated way throughinvestments in research, high end skills developmentandactions that shiftnewsolutions intopractise.Theplanfocusesacrosssixthemes:i)Unlockingalternativesources of water (including reuse, improvedgroundwaterutilization,desalinationandharnessingofstorm water); ii) Exploring ecological and built waterinfrastructure opportunities in relation to climateresilience (including supporting the alternative andwater-less sanitation revolution) iii) Ensuring greater water efficiency and reduced losses and iv)water governance, planning and management for supply and demand; v) orientating the watersectortowardsmorebusinesssavvyandbankablesolutions;andvi)supportingmonitoring,meteringandwaterdatainnovation.
AWaterRDIRoadmapImplementationUnithasbeenputinplaceinpartnershipbetweenDSTand
ThisRoadmap,whichformsthebasisoftheRDIaspectsofthisMasterPlan,isalsoanimportantlinkertotheIndustrialPolicyActionPlan
ambitiontodrivewaterindustryinareasofsanitation,membranesand
wastewatertreatment.
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WRCtosupportintelligencegathering,sectortrackingandfacilitateaspectsofcoordinatingtheroleplayersofthewaterinnovationlandscape.
TheoverallminimuminvestmentrequiredtoachieveallaspectsoftheRDImasterplanovera10-yearperiodisR8.4billion.In2015itwasestimatedthatanaverageofR300millionwasspentonwaterresearch,developmentandinnovation.This illustratesthatthatthecurrentspendonWaterRDI iswoefully inadequatetoaddress thecountries’needs (anapproximatelyR500millionayearshortfall).
Traditionalfundersinthisspace,suchastheWRCandDST,cannotbethesoleinvestorsintheRDIRoadmap. Sector wide ownership and investment will be needed to realise this RDI ambition,especiallywhenitcomestothecostlier issuesoftechnologytesting,demonstration,upscalingandsolutiondeployment. Ifwearetodevelopawater industry intermsof localisation,manufacturingandjobcreation, italsorequires investmentfromroleplayerssuchasDTIanditsentities,metros,andutilities.
14.2 Drivers
It is vital to recognise that RDI is an activity that has crosscuttinglinkageswithallaspectsandchaptersoftheNW&SMP.Allaspectsofthewatersectorhavetheirownsetofresearch,innovationandsolutionsrequirements.
Ongoing research, development and innovation, and theharnessingof internationaldevelopments, isacriticalelementofdeliveringeffectivelyonthisCall toAction,as is thetranslationof researchand innovation intoimplementation at scale. The RDI system is key to being ‘ahead of the curve’ as it supports thedevelopment of new solutions and technology, provides evidence to support robust decisionmaking,andbuildscapabilities thatenableSouthAfrica to respondtochallenges.This iscritical intermsof shifting the country intoamoreproactiveplanning space that abates someof themorereactiveactivitiesthatemergewhenwearenotproperlypreparedfordroughtsandotherextremeevents.
Innovation also offers a significant opportunity to develop a water sector industry which cancontributetojobcreation,andtothedevelopmentofeconomicopportunitiesforthecountry.
14.3 Key Actions
Action Responsibility CompletionDateImplementandregularlyreview/reviseResearch,Development and Innovation Policies, Plans andRoadmaps across the sector (Volume 3, Action2.6.1)
DWS,DST,WRC,CSIR 2021
Unlock investment, procurement and otherlocalisation barriers to reposition the sector toimplement new/niche solutions and approachesandroadmaptheNMIU(2.6.2)
DWS, NT, CoGTA, DST,NMIU
Ongoing
Coordinate, and where needed establish newplatforms, to enable a synergised set ofinstitutions that enable the shifting ofinnovations into the market (including businessdevelopmentandSMEsupport)(2.6.3)
DWS, the dti, Dept SmallBusiness,EDD
2019
RDIisanactivitythathascrosscuttinglinkageswithallaspectsandchaptersof
theNW&SMP
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Action Responsibility CompletionDateStrengthen partnerships with key water sectorinstitutions to accelerate research and solutionsintopractice(2.6.4)
DWS, WRC, CSIR, DST,CoGTA, SALGA, the dti,DAFF
2020
Structuretestbedpartnerswithkeywatersectorinstitutions inorder toaccelerate innovations tothemarket/publicsector(2.6.5)
WRC, CSIR, DWS, DST,SALGA,Municipalities
Ongoing
Fund research into new models to betterunderstand implementation approaches forwaterallocationreform,andequityissues(2.6.6)
DWS,WRC,CSIR,DST Ongoing
Develop technologies, guidelines andimplementation support tools that enable SA tousealternativeandappropriatesourcesaspartofwatersupply(2.6.7)
DWS, WRC, CSIR, DST,SALGA,CoGTA,WSAs
2023
Apply the concepts of water sensitive urbandesign to a robust city-wide case study todemonstrate and learnhowa city can transitiontoasustainablecity(2.6.8)
DWS, SALGA, Metros,DistrictMunicipalities
2027
Tools foragricultureearlywarningsystemsneedtobedevelopedandtestedatscale(2.6.9)
WRC, CSIR, DWS, DAFF,ARC
Ongoing
Scanandsortthe innovationsector forsolutionsthatare ready forapplicationand invest in theirimplementation(2.6.10)
WRC,CSIR,DST,DWS 2021
AlternativeSanitation:Developanddemonstrateand validate appropriate alternative, water-lessandoffgridsanitationsolutions(Current–2025)(2.6.11)
DWS, WRC, CSIR, DST,BMGF, the dti,Municipalities
Ongoing
Domestic and industrial Waste Water: Developand Demonstrate appropriate waste watertechnologies for cost effectiveness, energyefficiencyandbeneficiation(2.6.12)
DWS, TCTA, WRC, CSIR,thedti,DST,TIA,MINTEK
Ongoing
Scanandsortthe innovationsector forsolutionsthatare ready forapplicationand invest in theirimplementation(2.6.13)
WRC,CSIR,DST,DWS 2021
Drinking Water Treatment: Develop andDemonstrate solutions that allow for the use ofalternative sources of water for safe humanconsumptionandwatersecurity(2.6.14)
DWS, WRC, CSIR,Municipalities
Ongoing
Continue to invest in understanding emergingcontaminants (detectionandtreatment) inorderto improve our transition to reuse, reclamationandrecyclingofwater(2.6.15)
DWS, WRC, CSIR,Municipalities
Ongoing
Improvingrawwaterquality:Invest in Communities of practise that bringtogether built and ecological infrastructureexpertsandsolutions(2.6.16)
DWS, DEA, SANBI, WRC,CSIR,DST
Ongoing
Link the Global Environment Fund 6 project onWater Pricing and Ecosystems to Water MasterPlan implementation and position DWS to becloselyinvolvedinthisprocess(2.6.17)
DWS, DEA, SANBI, WRC,CSIR
2024
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Action Responsibility CompletionDateContinue to do research on land use impact onwaterlinkedecosystems(2.6.18)
WRC, CSIR, DEA, DWS,DAFF,ARC
Ongoing
Ongoingresearch,modellingandplanningaroundclimatechangeandits impactsonwatersecurityandwater infrastructure needs to be conducted(2.6.19)
DWS,DEA,DSTWRC,CSIR Ongoing
Initiate a hydrological monitoring centre forSouth Africa in order to re-establish a robustdata, monitoring and information capability formore effective water resources planning andclimatechangeforecastinginfuture(2.6.20)
DWS, DEA, ARC, DAFF,WRC, CSIR, DST, SAWS,CSIR,StatsSA
2021
TestasuitofICTandcitizensciencetoolsfordatasourcing(2.6.21)
WRC, CSIR, DWS, DST,CoGTA, SALGA, the dti,DAFF
Ongoing
Partnerwithinstitutionstofundtrainingofwatersectorpractitionersinthecuration,managementand use of data as well as the associatedtechnologies(2.6.22)
DWS,EWSETA Ongoing
Reviewall relevantguidelinesandR&Dproductstounderstandwheretrainingmodulesneedtobedevelopedaroundnewknowledge(2.6.23)
DWS, WRC, CSIR, SETAs,WISA,DHET
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Ready for the future and ahead of the curve – LET’S DO IT! SouthAfricans share common interests and challenges in the pursuit ofwater security. Achievingwatersecurityrequiressoundevidencetoinformpolicyanddialogue,goodgovernance,advancesinresearchandtechnology,themobilisationoffinanceandinvestment,managementofclimaterisks,and cooperation in managing trans boundary water resources. It requires balancing supply anddemand,redistributingwaterforequitableaccessanduse,managingwaterandsanitationserviceseffectively,regulatingthewatersectorwithafocusonhighimpactuse,improvingrawwaterqualityandprotectingandrestoringecosystems.ThesethemesorienttheNW&SMPandprovidearallyingpointforgovernment,civilsociety,theprivatesector,researchersandinnovators,theinternationalcommunityandordinarySouthAfricans.
TheNW&SMP:CalltoActionhasidentifiedprioritychallengesandthecriticalactionsthatmustbeimplementedtoaddressthecurrentcrisisinthewatersectorandtoachievetheconstitutionalandlegal mandate given to the sector. The Call to Action prioritises the actions that will deliver thegreatest impactwith limitedresources,witha focusonreducingwaterdemand, increasingsupply,ensuring universal and reliable water supply and sanitation, protecting infrastructure througheffectiveassetmanagement,improvingrawwaterquality,andensuringequityinaccesstowater.
Of critical importance is the issue of financial sustainability. Currently the sector is not financiallysustainable and increases more than inflationary targets will be required to address the historicundervaluationofwaterandsanitationservices.High levelsofdebtatmunicipal levelreverberateup the value chain, impactingon the financial sustainability of all institutions in thewater sector,exacerbated by poor revenue collection by DWS itself. There are five legs to the financialsustainabilityissuethatmustbeaddressed:
• Implement accurate billing and effective revenue management systems in all entities in thewater value chain with a strict “No payment = no water” approach to agriculture/industrial/commercialusersandrestrictedsupplytodomesticusers;
• Allconditionalgrantstobedependentonmeetingofcurrentpaymentstothenextentityinthevaluechain,improvementstoBlueDrop,GreenDropandNoDropScorestomeetingtargetsandauditoutcome.Allowconditionalgrantstobeusedforoperationalcosts;
• DevelopregulationsintermsofSection139(8)oftheConstitution,whichallowsforanationalentitytotakeoverthewaterservicefunctions,includingrevenueandbilling,inamunicipalityifservicedelivercriteriaarenotmet;
• Ensure that sufficient revenue is received through tariffs and grants to operate,maintain andimprove the water supply and sanitation system. The tariff structure must allow for crosssubsidisationfortheindigentandbuildingofareserveforperiodsofdrought;
• Inallentitiesputinplacemechanismstodealwithaccumulateddebts;
• Rolloutofring-fencedinstitutionalmodelstoincreaseprivatesectorinvestment;and
Improved financial sustainabilitywill enable the sector toturnaround thecurrentlypoor levelsofmaintenanceandrefurbishmentthatarecontributingtothedeclineinreliabilityofservicesandthe
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high levelsofwastageofwater through leaks. Improvement in the conditionofWWTWswill alsocontributetoimprovedwaterresourcequalityandthereductionofpublichealthrisks.
Addressingunacceptablyhigh levelsofwater loss is a critical elementof reducingwaterdemand.Non-revenue water levels in municipalities are estimated at an average of 41%, which isunacceptablyhigh.Asaresult,municipalitiesarelosingsomeR9.9billionofpotentialrevenueperyear. The reduction of water losses and the introduction of water conservation and demandmanagement measures in municipalities must be enforced to achieve the targets in the NDP. Anationalprogrammeisproposedthatwilldrivethereductionofnon-revenuewater levelstomeetnationalandcatchment targets. Inaddition,waterconservationanddemandmanagement targetswill be set for allmunicipalities and reflected in theKPIsofMunicipalManagers andother seniorstaff.
At the municipal level, the current crisis will need thecombined engagement of DWS, COGTA, NationalTreasury, SALGA, water boards and WSAs. Thereintroduction of a sector-wide approach (SWAP)programmeisproposed,ledbyDWS,totacklethecurrentchallenges. In this programme, a differentiated (triage)approach will be adopted in which WSAs will becategorised according to the challenges that they arefacing, and targeted responses will be developed andimplemented for the various categories. A specialisedmunicipal intervention unit for water and sanitation(MIUWS)willbeestablishedbyDWS,staffedwithasmallteam of highly competent experts, to run the diagnosticanalysis necessary to categorise the WSAs, and to drivethenationalprogrammeofinterventionswhererequired.
A national programme, driven by the MIUWS, is also proposed to support the adoption ofalternative water sources such as desalination and water re-use. It is proposed that DWS lead aprogramme that will examine the costs and benefits of these technologies at a regional level tosupportWSAsinmakingdecisionsonthemostappropriatewatersourcestousetoincreasesupply.Inaddition,anational, targetedprogrammeof refurbishingand turningaround failingWWTWstoprotectournatural resourcesandcitizenhealth isnon-negotiable.DWSwillalso,witheffect from2018/19,re-introducethehighly-respectedBlue,GreenandNoDropprogrammes.
At present, the constitutional water supply and sanitation services responsibility lies with 144municipalitiesthatareWSAs.AtleastathirdoftheseWSAsareregardedasdysfunctionalandmorethanhalfhaveno,orverylimited,technicalstaff.Twenty-sevenprioritydistrictmunicipalitieshavebeenidentifiedasbeingparticularlydysfunctionalandrequiringspecificintervention(thoughnotallare WSAs). High levels of corruption have impacted on service delivery in several municipalities.WhereWSAsshowconsistent inabilitytodelivereffectivewaterandsanitationservices,anationalinterventionleadbytheMIUWSwilldeterminetheappropriatewaterservicesprovidertobeusedaswellas theappropriateservicedeliverymodel suchasmanagementcontractsandconcessions.ThiswillrequirearevisionofChapter8oftheMunicipalSystemsActwhichDWSwillengageCOGTAand NT on. In addition, a legislative review will be done to ensure that internal procedures anddecision-making systems in local government support effective water and sanitation provision. A
On27June2018,CabinetnotedtheNW&SMPandsupportedthe
mobilisationofadetailedplanningprocessinthesectorutilisingthePhakisaplanningmethodology.
TheNW&SMPwillserveasthebasisforthePhakisaonWaterand
Sanitation.
Theimplementationoftheprogrammeofactionresultingfrom
thePhakisawillbedrivenbytheDWSPMUincollaborationwith
sectorpartners.
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national curriculum will be put in place for municipal water managers, which will become amandatoryqualificationforallsuchwatermanagers.
The strategicwater source area - the 10%of the landwhich produces 50%of the nation’swaterresources - are under threat from development, so to ensure the water security of the country,theseareaswillbedeclaredasprotectedareasandDWSwillengageDEAonthis.Meteringofwateruseintheagriculturalsectorandtheremovalofthesubsidyonagriculturalwaterchargeswilldrivewaterconservationinthissector.
DWS,working inpartnershipwithDEA,will get toughonenforcement.Ahigh-profilecampaignofenforcementofwateruselicenceconditionsforbothabstractionandwastedischarge,accompaniedbyapubliccommunicationprogrammewillseetheprosecutionofhigh-impactnon-compliantwateruserswithsignificantpublicityaroundthecampaignandtheresults.Thisisaimedatreducingnon-compliantwateruseandcreatinganawarenessoftheworkbeingdonebyDWSinthisregard.Thiswillbeanimportantsignalthatthisis‘businessunusual’andthatthosewhoarenon-compliantcannolongerriskcontinuedillegalactivities.
Thewatersectorresearch,developmentandinnovationprogramme,drivenbytheDSTandtheWRCwill support the implementation of the NW&SMP. The initial focus on water services and waterresources delivery was also build around the 27 priority municipalities but since the start of theNW&SMP, no fewer than 57municipalities have been identified as distressed or dysfunctional inneed of technical capacity to be able to conduct infrastructure planning, delivery, operation andmaintenance, infrastructure management, financial management as well government andadministrationissues.
Finally, the water sector has, over the past 20 years, failed to deliver on its mandate for waterallocation reform,or the reallocationofwater toblackwater users. This, alongwith land reform,remainsamajorchallengefacingthecountry,andonethatmustbeaddressed.Itisproposedthatajoint land, water and agrarian reform programme, to be led by the Department of RuralDevelopmentandLandReformbeestablishedtoensurethatthereallocationofbothlandandwaterarealignedandtakeplacewithinaframeworkofagrarianreformandeffectiveruraldevelopment.
ThisNW&SMP:CalltoActionhasbeenwidelyconsultedonandhasbeendevelopedwithinputfromarangeofstakeholdersandorgansofstateandhasbeengreatly improvedandinformedbytheseengagementsandinputs.TheNW&SMPinitsentirety,Volumes1–3,remaina“living”documenttobe annually reviewed, updated and improved.Greater detail regarding themotivations informingtherecommendationsmadebytheCalltoAction,arecontainedinVolume2:PlantoAction.Volume3containsdetailsofspecificactionstobe implementedbywatersectorpartnerstomakethefirstNationalWaterandSanitationMasterPlanareality.OnlybyworkingtogethertotackleprioritisedchallengescanthewatersectorensurethatSouthAfricawillindeedbeReadyforFutureandAheadoftheCurve.
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Summary of actions KeyActionNofromVolume3
Action Responsibility Completiondate
1Water&SanitationReducingWaterDemandandIncreasingSupply1.1.1 Reduce Non Revenue Water (NRW) and water losses in all
municipalitiesto15%belowthebusinessasusual.DWS,CoGTA 2030
1.1.2 Set cap on municipal water use with reducing targets overtime
DWS,CMAs,WSAs,CoGTA
2030
1.1.3 Reduce the water demands and water losses at all majorirrigationandagriculturalschemesby2030,withoutaffectingproductions
DWS,DAFF 2030
1.1.4 Reduce water demand and increase water efficiencies ofindustrialusers
DWS,thedti 2026
1.1.5 Develop,updateandmaintainreconciliationplanningstudiesto achieve optimal water mix (surface water, groundwater,re-useanddesalination,andincorporateclimatechangeintostudies)
DWS,CMAs 2030
1.1.6 Do detailed feasibility study (including EIA) of high priorityinterventions (identified in Reconciliation Strategies) anddevelop bankable projects, with business case of requiredinfrastructure, financing, institutional arrangements forownershipandoperationsasimplementationmandate.
WSAs,DWS,CMAs
2030
1.1.7 WaterResourcesCatchmentstudies(Continuouslyundertakehydrological monitoring in order to improve the resiliencyand sustainability of the available sources on account offutureclimatechange)
DWS,CMAs 2050
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Action Responsibility Completiondate
1.1.8 Develop a guideline for the protection, recharge, use andmonitoringofgroundwater.
DWS,WRC,CSIR
2022
1.1.9 Integrate results of All Towns studies and reconciliationstudies into sectoral plans (domestic, agriculture, energy,mining, industrial development, land reform and ruraldevelopment)
DWS,DAFF,DoE,DMR,thedti,DRDLR
2030
1.1.10 Developmentofstrategicwaterresourcesinfrastructure DWS,LHDA,WSAs,WBs,TCTA
2025
1.1.11 Refurbishgaugingstations CMAs,DWS 20271.1.12 Increase groundwater use (including artificial recharge) and
re-useofwaterWBs,WSAs,DWS
2024
RedistributingWaterforTransformation1.2.1 Identify alternative sources of water and water that is not
utilised (e.g. as mines are closing resulting from War onLeaks,etc)fortransformation
DWS,CMAs 2019
1.2.2 Identify where more water can be made available ingovernmentwaterschemesfortransformation
DWS,CMAS,DAFF/PDAs,IUCMAS
2019
1.2.3 Implement the Water Administration System on allgovernmentirrigationschemesfortransformation
DWS,DAFF/PDA
2024
1.2.4 Implement pilot project on voluntary contributions fromfarmersforwaterreallocationinprioritisedcatchments
DWS,DAFF 2020
1.2.5 Identify areas where small dams or groundwaterdevelopmentcanprovidewaterforsmallscaleblackfarmers
DWS,CMAs 2019
1.2.6 Alignwater, land and agrarian reformprogrammes and linktotheIrrigationStrategy
DWS,CMAs,DAFF,DRDLR
2030
1.2.7 UseGeneralAuthorisationtoenablesmallscalewaterusebyblackfarmers
DWS,DAFF 2019
1.2.8 Investigate, revitalise, refurbish existing under-performingBlackOwnedschemes
DAFF,DWS 2020
1.2.9 Defineandimplementprocesstoallocatewater(new/saved)toblackapplicants
DWS,DAFF 2030
ManagingEffectiveWaterandSanitationServices1.3.1 Developandimplementalong-termplanfortheturn-around
ofwatersupplyandsanitationservices inthecountrybasedonasector-wideapproach,thatrecognisesDWSasregulatorof W&S provision that includes the development ofcentralisedprogrammestoobtaineconomiesofscaleandtoensure impact (e.g. driving municipal non-revenue-waterimprovements, and assessing the cost-effectiveness andappropriatesystemsfordesalination)
DWS,CoGTA,NT,SALGA
Annually
1.3.2 Plan for disaster management by implementing adequatefloodprotectionanddroughtmanagementonregionallevel
DWS,CMAs,NWRSA,WBs
2022
1.3.3 Revisit levels of service for water supply and sanitationservicesagainstissuesofaffordability
DWS,CoGTA,NT,SALGA
2025
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Action Responsibility Completiondate
1.3.4 Investigate and promote alternative service deliverymodelssuch as BOTT (build, operate, train and transfer),managementcontractsandconcessions
NT,DWS 2025
1.3.5 ProvidedirectWaterServicesDevelopmentPlanningsupporttoWSAsaspartof a legal requirementand integration intoMunicipalIDPS
WSAs,DWS,CoGTA,SALGA,NT
2025
1.3.6 Develop and implement Provincial Water Services DeliveryMasterPlanstoprovidereliableandsustainablewatersupplyandsanitationservicestoallhouseholdswithinSouthAfrica:•ProvincialBulkServicesMasterPlans• Reliable Services Delivery Action Plans that includes abackloganalysisandinfrastructureassetmanagementplans
DWS,WSAs,CoGTA,SALGA,NT,WBs
2030
1.3.7 Deliver services to achieve (100%) universal sanitationcoverage(MunicipalSanitationProjects)
WSAs,DWS 2030
1.3.8 Deliver services to achieve (100%) universal water servicesprovision(MunicipalWaterSupplyProjects)
WSAs,CoGTA,DWS
2030
1.3.9 O&Mofwaterresourcesandservicesinfrastructure DWS 20501.3.10 AligninterventionswithCoGTAonfailingmunicipalitieswith
existingsupportprogrammese.g.MISACoGTA,MISA,DWS
2019
1.3.11 Lifecycle planning (asset management) conditions to be setbyDWS
DWS 2020
1.3.12 A National water and wastewater treatment performanceturnaround plan to be developed and implemented. Turnaroundthefunctionalityoffive,currentlydysfunctional,largewater and wastewater treatment works with anaccompanyingpublicitycampaign,followedbyaprogrammeaddressingtherest
DWS,WSAs,NT,WBs,CoGTA
2030
1.3.13 Roll-outofFeasibilityand ImplementationReadinessstudiestoalignwithnationalgrantfundingprogrammes
WSAs,DWS 2025
RegulatingtheWaterandSanitationSector1.4.1 Revitalise the Green, Blue and No Drop programmes and
publishresults.ReviseandestablishnormsandstandardsDWS,WSAs Annually
1.4.2 Includewateruseefficiencyand conservation targets in theKPIsofmunicipalmanagersandmunicipalwater supplyandsanitationmanagers,andinmunicipalimplementationplans
CoGTA,Municipalities
2019
1.4.3 Establish Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS)Scheme
SABS,DWS 2025
1.4.4 Identify(BlueScorpions)andprosecutemajornon-compliantabstractors (water thieves) across the country, with anationalcommunicationcampaigntoaccompanytheaction
CMAs,NPA,SAPS,DEA,Regulator,DMR,DWS,BlueScorpions
2020
1.4.5 Replace all Existing Lawful Use (ELU) with licences withenforceablewateruseconditions
DWS,CMAs 2030
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Action Responsibility Completiondate
1.4.6 Development and implementationof theMoUbetween theDWSandstrategicusers
DWS,ChamberofMines,Eskom,Industries
2020
1.4.7 Develop and implement municipal bylaws to protect waterquality
DWS,WSAs 2020
1.4.8 Identify and prosecute big polluters across the country(including municipalities), with a national communicationcampaigntoaccompanytheaction
CMAs,NPA,SAPS,DEA,DMR,DWS
2020
1.4.9 Establishamechanismforapplyingadministrativepenalties DWS,DeptofJustice
2023
1.4.10 Develop improved regulatory approaches to managepollutionfromland-basedandin-streamactivities(SA1,SA7,SA20&SA29)
DWS 2022
1.4.11 Develop and implement an action plan to strengthenwateruseauthorisationprocesses(SA24,SA25,SA26,SA27&SA28)
DWS,CMAs,WRC
2022
ImprovingRawWaterQuality1.5.1 Determine in-stream Resource Water Quality Objectives
(RWQOs),basedontheSAWaterQualityGuidelines (SA36),insupportofRQO's
DWS,CMAs 2020
1.5.2 Routinelymonitorresourcewaterquality(SA46,SA47SA48) DWS,CMAs 20301.5.3 Establish and maintain appropriate and accessible
information management system(s) for resource waterquality(SA49,SA51&SA60)
DWS,CMAs 2030
1.5.4 Assessresourcewaterqualityinformation(SA52&SA59) DWS,CMAs 20301.5.5 Implement adaptive source control-based waterquality
management interventions, in accordance with relevantcatchmentplansandstrategies(SA34&SA35)
ChamberofMines,DWS,CMAs,DMR
2030
1.5.6 Develop and implement a strategic action plan for therehabilitationandupgradeofprioritizedWWTWs(SA17)
DWS,WSAs,NT,SALGA,CoGTA
2023
1.5.7 Adopt an integrated planning approach at trans-boundary(international), national,WaterManagement Area and sub-catchment levels (SA16, SA17, SA18, SA21, SA22, SA23 &SA33)
DWS 2030
1.5.8 Implement the Waste Discharge Charge System (WDCS) inprioritycatchments(SA5,SA41,SA42,SA43&SA44)
NT,DWS,CMAs
2030
1.5.9 Ensure IWQM is supported by effective departmentalarrangements(SA8&SA9)
DWS 2020
1.5.10 Formalise governance frameworks to support engagementson water quality management (SA10, SA11, SA12, SA13,SA14,SA15,SA54&SA61)
DWS,CMAs,WSAs
2030
1.5.11 EnsurefiscalsupportforIWQM(SA38&SA39) DWS,WSAs 20211.5.12 Build water quality management capacity through
recruitment, education and training (SA53, SA54, SA55 &SA56)
DWS,CMAs,NT,WRC,CSIR
2030
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Action Responsibility Completiondate
1.5.13 Createaninformed,supportiveandresponsiblepublic(SA62) DWS,CMAs,WSAs
2030
1.5.14 Develop and implement a diffuse pollution source strategythatincludestheregulationoflanduse
DWS,CMAs 2023
1.5.15 Implement programmes to rehabilitate catchments throughdevelopmentofCatchmentbusinessplans
DWS,NT,CMAs
2025
ProtectingandRestoringEcologicalInfrastructure1.6.1 Declarestrategicwatersourceareasandcriticalgroundwater
recharge areas and aquatic ecosystems recognised asthreatenedorsensitiveasprotectedareas
DWS,CMAs,DEA
2021
1.6.2 Review and promulgate aggressive restrictions within thelegislationtorestoreandprotectecologicalinfrastructure
DEA,DWS,CMAs,SANBI,CSIR
2020
1.6.3 ImplementationoftheReserve(Theclassification,RQO’sandtheReserve(collectivelyknownasResourceDirectedMeasures (RDM)) formainstemriversof the Berg, Breede and Gouritz, Middle and upper VaalWMA’s)
DWS,CMAs 2022
1.6.4 Secure funds for restoration and ongoing maintenance ofecological infrastructure through operationalising the waterpricingstrategy
DWS,CMAs,DEA,SANBI
Annually
2EnablingEnvironmentCreatingEffectiveWaterSectorInstitutions2.1.1 Establish a business case for streamlined institutional
arrangementsinthewaterandsanitationsectorDWS 2020
2.1.2 Establish a Municipal Intervention Unit for Water andSanitation inDWS,staffedwithhighlycompetentexperts todriveanationalprogrammeof interventionatthemunicipallevel
DWS 2022
2.1.3 EstablishfinanciallysustainableCMAsacrossthecountry,andtransfer staff andbudgetanddelegated functions, includinglicensing of water use and monitoring and evaluation ofwaterresources
DWS 2020
2.1.4 Establish the National Water Resources and ServicesAuthority
DWS,NT 2020
2.1.5 Determine the optimal configuration of water boards tomanage regional bulk water supply; assist municipalities toperformtheirprimarywaterandsanitationservicesmandatewhere necessary, manage regional water resourcesinfrastructure,manageregionalbulkWTWsandWWTWs
DWS,WBs 2020
2.1.6 Establish the National Water Resources and ServicesRegulator(NWRSR)
DWS,NT 2020
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Action Responsibility Completiondate
ManagingDataandInformation2.2.1 Review and develop comprehensive and appropriate
Management, Monitoring and Reporting Structures of theDWSdataportal
DWS Annually
2.2.2 Review and develop a comprehensive DWS informationmanagementstrategytoincludeamongother:• Amended authorisation conditions to provide for self-
reporting• Harmonization of monitoring actions by all responsible
institutions• PerforminformationV&Vaudits
DWS Annually
2.2.3 AlignmentofmonitoringinstitutionstosupportNationalandInternationalreportingprogramme,e.g.SDG,Agenda63andAMCO
DWS 2021
BuildingCapacityforAction2.3.1 Establish regulations on required qualifications and
experienceforseniorandtechnicalpositions inDWS,CMAs,waterboardsandmunicipalservicesinstitutions
DWS,CoGTA,SETA
2023
2.3.2 Develop and implement programme for recruitingexperienced technical and managerial staff in first SouthAfricaandtheninternationally
DWS,CoGTA,DIRCO
2030
2.3.3 Define (and reinstate in some cases) career paths withdefined training and on the job experience to build aknowledgeablesectorofprofessionals
DWS,WSAs,WBs,CMAs
2023
2.3.4 Develop and implement a mandatory, modular hands-onqualification for municipal water managers (technicalmanager) to be run over 18 months and accredited byEWSETAtoincludeaspectssuchasassetmanagement,tariffsand revenue management, drought management,stakeholderengagementandcustomerrelations
DWS,EWSETA,InstitutionsofHigherLearning
Ongoing
2.3.5 Partner with institutions to fund training of water sectorpractitionersinthecuration,managementanduseofdataaswellastheassociatedtechnologies
DWS,EWSETA Ongoing
2.3.6 Initiateafocusedresearchcapabilityinitiativeinwatersectoreconomicstoaddressthisexistingskillsgap
DWS,WRC,DST
Ongoing
2.3.7 Continuetodevelophighendskills(postgraduate)toensurea future science, technology and innovation capability inSouthAfrica
DWS,DST,NRF,WRC,thedti(THRIP)
Ongoing
2.3.8 Continue to support programmes that enable developmentof critical skills and exposure to emerging innovations (e.g.YoungEngineersProgramme)
SALGA,DST,WRC,DWS,CoGTA,MISA
Ongoing
EnsuringFinancialSustainability2.4.1 Develop and implement institutional arrangements that
recognisethediversityofcircumstancesacrossSouthAfrica,NT,DWS 2021
NationalWaterandSanitationMasterPlanVolume1:CalltoActionv10.131October2018
68
KeyActionNofromVolume3
Action Responsibility Completiondate
the legacy of Apartheid and allow for regional crosssubsidisation.
2.4.2 Implement accurate billing and effective revenuemanagementsystems inallentities in thewatervaluechainwith a strict “No payment = no water” approach toagriculture/industrial/commercialusersandrestrictedsupplytodomesticusers.
WSAs,WBs,DWS,AGSA
2024
2.4.3 Allconditionalgrantstobedependentonmeetingofcurrentpaymentstothenextentityinthevaluechain,improvementsto Blue Drop, Green Drop and No Drop Scores to meetingtargets and audit outcome. Allow conditional grants to beusedforoperationalcosts.
NT,AGSA 2023
2.4.4 Develop regulations in terms of Section 139 (8) of theConstitution,whichallows for anational entity to takeoverthewaterservicefunctions, includingrevenueandbilling, inamunicipalityifservicedelivercriteriaarenotmet.
DWS,CoGTA 2022
2.4.5 Ensurethatsufficientrevenueisreceivedthroughtariffsandgrants to operate, maintain and improve the water supplyand sanitation system. The tariff structure must allow forcrosssubsidisationfortheindigentandbuildingofareserveforperiodsofdrought.
WSAs,WBs,DWS,NT,AGSA
2024
2.4.6 In all entities put in place mechanisms to deal withaccumulateddebts
WSAs,WBs,DWS,NT,AGSA
2020
2.4.7 Roll out of ring-fenced institutional models to increaseprivatesectorinvestment
DWS,NT,CoGTA
2021
2.4.8 National Treasury – linkage to Medium Term SectorExpenditureFramework(MTSEF)
NT,DWS Ongoing
Legislation2.5.1 GazettetheNationalWaterAmendmentBill,WaterServices
AmendmentBillandWaterResearchAmendmentBillDWS,PortfolioCommittee,StandingCommittee
2019
2.5.2 HoldpublicconsultationonNationalWaterAmendmentBill,Water Services Amendment Bill and Water ResearchAmendmentBill
DWS,PortfolioCommittee,StandingCommittee
2020
2.5.3 Reviseandpromulgate theNationalWaterAmendmentBill,Water Services Amendment Bill and the Water ResearchAmendmentAct
DWS,PortfolioCommittee,StandingCommittee
2022
2.5.4 Review the Municipal Financial Management Act (MFMA)and the Municipal Systems Act (specifically chapter 8) toensure that they provide an enabling environment for theprovisionofreliablewaterandsanitationservices
NT,DWS,CoGTA,SALGA
2020
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