Strategic Framework for Water Services.

This Strategic Framework sets out a comprehensive approach with respect to the provision of water services in South Africa, ranging from small community water supply and sanitation schemes in remote rural areas to large regional schemes supplying water and wastewater services to people and industries in urban areas. The objective of this document is to put forward a vision for the water services sector in South Africa for the next ten years, and to set out the framework that will enable the sector vision to be achieved. It is the umbrella framework for the water services sector: it addresses the full spectrum of water supply and sanitation services and all relevant institutions. The White Paper on Basic Household Sanitation (2001), which focuses specifically on basic sanitation services, will be amended where necessary to ensure full compatibility with this Strategic Framework.
In particular, the sector vision is the following: Water is life, sanitation is dignity. As a result, all people living in South Africa have access to adequate, safe, appropriate and affordable water and sanitation services, use water wisely and practise safe sanitation. The following goals are set for the water services sector: 1) all people living in South Africa have access to an appropriate, acceptable, safe and affordable basic water supply and sanitation service; 2) all people living in South Africa are educated in healthy living practices (specifically with respect to the use of water and sanitation services) and the wise use of water; 3) water and sanitation services are provided equitably, affordably, effectively, efficiently, sustainably and gender sensitively (taking into account the different needs and responsibilities of women and men with regard to water services and sanitation); 4) all water services authorities are accountable to their citizens, have adequate capacity to make wise choices (related to water services providers) and are able to regulate water services provision effectively; 5) all water services providers are accountable, cost-effective, efficient, and viable, and implement appropriate employment and gender equity policies; 6) the prices of water and sanitation services reflect the fact that they are both social and economic goods (that is, pricing promotes access to a basic safe service, encourages the wise and sustainable use of resources and ensures financial sustainability); 7) water and sanitation services are effectively regulated with a view to ensuring the ongoing achievement of these goals.
In the field of governance, the document outlines the institutional vision for water services provisions. It refers to responsibility, contract with water services authorities, contracts for bulk services, water resource supply contracts, local and regional water services providers. Key principles informing the institutional vision encompass the following: a) Clear definition of roles and responsibilities; b) Separation of regulatory and operational responsibilities; c) Local government is responsible for ensuring water services provision; d) The private sector has a role to play in assisting local government and other water services institutions in the water services sector; e) Gender mainstreaming.