Water and sanitation framework consultations continue in Durban

Dr Jack Bloom, the Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, is expected to deliver the keynote address at the Garden Court in Durban on Tuesday. He will be speaking on the Strategic Framework for Water and Sanitation Services (SFWSS).

Residents and stakeholders in Durban will be invited to comment on the proposed Strategic Framework for Water and Sanitation Services during a Department of Water and Sanitation consultation on Tuesday.

Dr Jack Bloom, the Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation (DWS), is expected to deliver the keynote address on the topic at the Garden Court Marine Parade in Durban. The DWS three-day programme in KwaZulu-Natal kicked off in Newcastle on Monday, with a consultation also expected in Richards Bay on Wednesday at the BON Hotel Waterfront.

Bloom said the consultations will provide stakeholders and members of the public with an opportunity to engage on the SFWSS, which sought to provide a coordinated approach to addressing challenges facing the water and sanitation sector and strengthening the delivery of safe water and dignified sanitation services. Bloom said he wanted residents and stakeholders to engage directly with DWS on the framework.

“It’s about getting water and sanitation delivery right: improving service delivery, strengthening infrastructure planning and maintenance, protecting our water resources, and building the capacity of municipalities and other sector stakeholders,” Bloom said.

Bloom said the proposed update addresses those challenges directly. The DWS wanted a framework that provides a clear plan for access, infrastructure, water security, keeping the taps running, and ensuring sanitation systems work so people can rely on water and dignified sanitation.

Wisane Mavasa, spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation, said the first SFWSS was published in 2003, and achieved real results. Mavasa said it set clear roles, service standards and investment direction for the sector.

“Things have changed since then. We are dealing with rapid urbanisation, ageing infrastructure, climate risks, and service gaps that hit rural areas and informal settlements the hardest,” Mavasa said.

She said the framework places particular emphasis on improving service delivery, strengthening infrastructure planning and maintenance, promoting effective water resource management, and building the capacity of municipalities and other sector stakeholders.

“The public consultation process is particularly important as it provides stakeholders with an opportunity to share their experiences, concerns and recommendations on water and sanitation services. Inputs received from the public and stakeholders will strengthen the framework and ensure it responds to the realities and needs of communities,” she said.