WELKOM – Municipalities have been challenged to tighten their water and sanitation by-laws as government and community stakeholders push for stronger accountability over essential services.
The call came during a public consultation in Welkom on the review of the Strategic Framework for Water and Sanitation Services (SFWSS), placing the responsibilities of the Water Services Authorities (WSA) under renewed scrutiny.
The consultation process – held from 28 September to 1 October in Bloemfontein, Welkom, Bethlehem and Sasolburg – brought together municipalities, government departments, water institutions, watchdog bodies and members of the public.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and other stakeholders called on the WSA to develop and implement appropriate by-laws to help regulate and improve water and sanitation services within their areas.
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The proposed review of the SFWSS is aimed at providing a coordinated response to challenges facing the sector and strengthening the delivery of safe water and dignified sanitation. The framework places emphasis on service delivery, infrastructure planning and maintenance, effective water-resource management and strengthening the capacity of stakeholders.
Among those participating in the consultations were local and district municipalities, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Vaal Central Water Board, Maluti-a-Phofung Water, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), water and sanitation forums, and community members.
Changes to water and sanitation
The first SFWSS was published in 2003, establishing institutional responsibilities, service standards and a framework for investment in the sector.
More than 20 years later, the water and sanitation landscape has changed significantly.
The sector now faces challenges including rapid urbanisation, ageing infrastructure, climate-related risks and persistent service delivery gaps, particularly in rural areas and informal settlements.
The Welkom consultation provided residents and stakeholders with an opportunity to raise concerns and make recommendations directly to officials involved in reviewing the framework.
The department said the public’s input would help strengthen the revised framework and ensure that it responds to the realities and needs of communities.
For Matjhabeng residents, the emphasis on municipal by-laws and infrastructure management is particularly relevant, as reliable water and sanitation services remain among the most important responsibilities of local government.
The consultation is part of a broader process aimed at strengthening cooperation between municipalities, government institutions, water-service providers and communities – with the revised framework expected to provide direction for the sector in responding to mounting pressures on water and sanitation infrastructure.
