Resolutions adopted at the conference
Bulk infrastructure
• The conference identified groundwater to be a resource for investments and for it to be included in most schemes put forward for investment opportunities.
• Government made a commitment to engage black businesses in the water and sanitation infrastructure space. The black business society and other groups were equally encouraged to engage various departments for the purposes of consolidating this relationship.
• The conference identified the need for one central point that interested parties can approach they are keen on starting or working on particular projects.
• A structured project information memorandum is required that sets out issues regarding operative agreements and risk transfer on projects.
• There is a need to come up with a defined project finance model with input from the private sector.
Municipal infrastructure
• The conference resolved that there is an urgent need for municipalities to deal with some of the limitations and problems in the supply chain process, as this is sometimes very frustrating and does not encourage innovation.
• The conference identified the need for municipalities to debate on the things they must process in terms of regulations.
• The conference noted the challenge of water leakages and nonrevenue water, which is as high as 40%. Investors were encouraged to come up with innovative solutions to assist municipalities with this challenge.
• An open invitation was made to all participants to engage further on opportunities available in the municipalities by the new financial year.
Cutting-edge solutions and innovation
• The public sector requires a shift to a mind-set that encourages and promotes innovation; this also calls for a collaboration of an inter-generational, businessminded mix of skills between the public and private sectors.
• Consumers at times bypass municipalities to access available technology because the municipalities take too long to adopt new technologies. This shows that service providers can be barriers to the adoption of technological innovations, hence a critical needs assessment is required.
• Investment packages should incorporate and promote localisation and partnerships with local companies.
• Innovation strategies should look at developing start-ups to a point of viability. Investment assistance given to start-ups should guarantee certainty in order to attract investors as well as create opportunities for take-off agreements.