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Good Ship SA in for a stormy ride, come 2018.
municipalities have approached her department in an attempt to reach a payment agreement. This is still some distance from actual settling of outstanding monies. The question can be asked why the DWS and the water boards allowed this debt to accumulate in the first place? Water boards have been well run at arm’ s length from government. But unfortunately, the trend of politicians to mess about in public institutions that are working quite well, has crept in here as well. First, cadres without any water experience were deployed to the boards of these entities and lately, also as managers. This political interference has resulted in this huge debt owed by municipalities, as the boards favoured political colleagues in the municipalities. The encouraging fact is that the Minister and water entities have now realised that this trend must stop. The necessary corrective steps and actions will not be nice and tough times lie ahead for these municipalities. Switching to private water sources: Especially in drought-stricken areas, we will observe more and more consumers switching to their own alternative water supplies by using boreholes, water re-use, and rainwater harvesting. This will stimulate private sector involvement and technological development, but will mean less water sales by municipalities and dwindling income. Poor service delivery will further promote this trend.
The financial viability of many water institutions is now at risk. It
About the author
Helgard Muller is a regular contributor to Water, Sewage and Effluent( WSE). His vast knowledge in policy and regulations while at the Department of Water and Sanitation adds huge value to WSE.
was all too easy to let some things slip and avoid the hard decisions, but now the chickens have come home to roost. The year 2018 will be exciting and stimulating in many aspects— tough for some, but also present great opportunities for others in areas such as water re-use and construction in Lesotho.
A rudderless water sector has a lot of bailing to do to remain afloat. Is 2018 going to throw it a lifeline? u
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