Management of Water Service Providers

The function of Water Services [inclusive of water and sanitation services] for all local municipalities within the ADM, with the exception of Buffalo City Municipality, was assigned to the ADM from 1 July 2003.  The authority and responsibility for the provision of effective, efficient and sustainable water services for all communities within the ADM [with the exception of those residing within the demarcated boundaries of Buffalo City Municipality] thus rests with the ADM.

The operation and maintenance of water services infrastructure is currently achieved through the provision of the service by the ADM itself [water services teams that oversee specific schemes in the rural areas of some municipalities, and provide assistance as required to local municipalities] and through contracts with local municipalities as Water Services Providers.  This is an interim arrangement until the assessment of service provision options in terms of section 78 of the Municipal Systems Act is completed and implemented.

To ensure existing infrastructure is operated and maintained in a manner that provides consumers with effective, efficient and reliable water services.

Additional objectives include:

• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation [listed below];
• Identify and capitalize on opportunities for poverty alleviation through direct gainful employment, and through the provision of services in support of gainful enterprise;
• Identify and implement opportunities for capacity building within local municipalities [staff and systems];
• Ensure that long term sustainability is considered in the capital programme for water services;
• Escalate awareness for operational aspects of water services;
• Reduce the cost of water services provision to the institution and the end consumer;
• Improve inter-governmental relations through networking, alignment and communication with other spheres of government and other water sector stakeholders [non-governmental organizations, private and public sector].

   

   

• Manage contracts with externally contracted Water Services Providers [local municipalities];
• Operate and maintain water services infrastructure in rural areas of ADM, where this is not outsourced to the relevant local municipality;
• Manage resources [budget, materials, chemicals, fleet, staff, energy] to ensure costs are minimised and service levels elevated;
• Provide emergency water services where required;
• Participate in forums established to align sector stakeholders;

• Ensure compliance with:
• The Constitution
• Water Services Act;
• Water Act;
•   Municipal Systems Act;
•  Municipal Financial Management Act;
• Occupational Health and Safety Act;
• Division of Revenue Act