Water, sanitation master plan attempts to turn tide

THE development of the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan by the Department of Water and Sanitation and key stakeholders marks a significant milestone in dealing with a number of issues in the sector which include, among others, the deterioration of water quality, inefficient use of water and skills shortage.

The plan is to identify challenges that undermine the capacity of the department to deliver an impeccable service. Thus, this envisaged plan is a drastic measure to turn the tide against fragmentation and nudge the sector forward to operate at its full potential.

This integrated and coherent plan becomes even more important when taking into account factors such as the drought that is extending its grip across the country. This phenomenon has been one of the most challenging, threatening to set us back such that those who wait for government to deliver basic services become frustrated.

In this regard, what is significant is that developing the plan relies heavily on the multiplicity of voices to define the final product. Consultative sessions are being held in the provinces and will help stakeholders articulate their unique features. It will also put an end to stakeholders pulling in different directions, thus impacting negatively on infrastructure development.

Although a great deal of work has been done, the lack of a co-ordinated and coherent plan has had a negative impact. In this context, by continuing to roll out infrastructure projects without an inclusive plan we run the risk of constitutional infractions that undermine the promotion of the dignity of the public. This would unjustifiably frustrate the public’s interest we seek to advance for them to improve their lives.

An inclusion plan that is agreed on by all stakeholders will assist in avoiding a knee-jerk and panic-driven response that leads to impulsive reaction in addressing infrastructure development. The consultative sessions work towards building of a common vision that underpins an efficient and effective of use of our limited resources.

For the country to move forward in dealing with socio-economic challenges, infrastructure development in water and sanitation should be at the apex. Delays in building the infrastructure will render our efforts useless, which will adversely affect an enabling environment for economically prosperous communities.

In addressing water challenges, the plan will articulate itself on water management, taking into account the Sustainable Development Goals and the AU Agenda 2063.

There is a need to marshal all our resources in a judicious manner to deliver the promise of a better life to all our people. The plan remains one of the important instruments we must use to achieve this promise.

IT BECOMES EVEN MORE IMPORTANT WHEN TAKING INTO ACCOUNT FACTORS SUCH AS THE CURRENT SEVERE DROUGHT

Hosia Sithole is a communicator at the Department of Water and Sanitation (Gauteng Region).