One year after taking office, Minister Senzo Mchunu says the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is now stronger and fully functional; however, there is still a long way to go and more work to be done.

Mchunu, reflecting on the past year since assuming office, and taking stock of the achievements, challenges and the future work of DWS, noted that it was “no easy undertaking”, with many hurdles and bottlenecks to realise the milestones made to date.

“We still have a long way to go, but understand us to be ready for the task and dedicated to serving the citizens of South Africa,” he said during a media briefing on Friday, highlighting that patience is required, as the department does not have an abundance of resources to resolve the challenges as rapidly as it would like to.

One of the critical tasks prioritised over the past year was the stabilisation of the DWS, starting with the filling of key posts within the department, including the appointment of Dr Sean Phillips as director-general, starting on January 3.

“We set about ensuring that all senior posts are filled, namely that of CFO, DDG: Corporate Services, DDG: Water Services Management DDG: Regulation, Compliance and Enforcement,” he said, adding that, when making the appointments, a stern decision was taken to employ people who are fit-for-purpose with the necessary qualifications, skills and capabilities.

“Strengthening the department by closing all vacancies at the highest levels ensures accountability and responsibility.”

The department is stronger and fully functional with all senior posts filled, and is working on several delivery mechanisms.

During the past year, the DWS prioritised its two main streams, namely water resource management and water services management, implementing several projects throughout South Africa, and in conjunction with neighbouring countries, to ensure water provision and water security.

Priority has been on incomplete projects that must be completed as soon as possible; addressing incapacity in municipalities to deliver on water and sanitation services; communities with water distress; the storms in the KwaZulu-Natal and the drought in Gqeberha; mitigating a lack of resources; and old and dysfunctional infrastructure.

“Based on this, it has become imperative that we explore many delivery mechanisms and increase our tempo.”

One such mechanism is the reconfiguration and leveraging of the Water Boards for water and sanitation provision to communities, with limited differentiation between bulk and reticulation.

A further mechanism being employed is the use of the department’s internal construction unit.

“We are also working with the private sector, where traditionally it has been through tenders, but we are now working on upscaling partnerships with the private sector,” he said, citing examples of public-private partnership work done with the Lebalelo Water User Association, Ivanplats Mine and the Vaal Gamagara project.

In line with the partnership approach, the DWS established a National Water Partnerships Programme, as well as a Water Partnerships Office in the Development Bank of Southern Africa.

The National Water Partnerships Programme will run five programmes, namely nonrevenue water; management contract; wastewater treatment; water reuse; and seawater desalination.