Water Services Act: Water and Sanitation Services Policy on Privately Owned Land.

This Water and Sanitation Services Policy on Privately Owned Land is a sectoral document aiming to uphold the fundamental human right of all citizens to access clean water and adequate sanitation, with a particular focus on those living on privately owned land (including, amongst others, commercial farms, mine owned land, church owned land, privately owned enterprises, game parks, agricultural holdings, communal property association (CPA) and trust properties). Its core objective is to establish a supportive regulatory framework that enables the delivery of water services to these communities. It emphasizes the importance of equitable access to water and sanitation services, efficient water use, and Integrated planning to ensure the long-term sustainability of our water supply. The Policy provides clear guidelines for creating a standardized, fair, and procedurally sound administrative and institutional environment, in line with existing legislation. It promotes collaboration among government agencies, local authorities, private landowners, and service providers to ensure inclusive and equitable access to basic water and sanitation services. The Department of Water and Sanitation invites all stakeholders to actively engage in implementing this policy to realize its goals and improve service delivery for all. Additionally, this Policy advocates for innovative funding mechanisms, recognising the need for creative solutions to ensure its successful implementation. The Department of Water and Sanitation aims to mobilize resources effectively and efficiently, acknowledging the need for flexibility in funding mechanisms and policies.
The Water Services Act of 1997 introduced the roles of Water Services Intermediaries and Water Services Providers to assist water services authorities in ensuring effective, affordable service delivery to all, including those living on private property without direct municipal connections. Intermediaries operate based on explicit or implicit agreements with residents, while providers must have formal contracts with the relevant water services authority. To support landowners who wish to assume these roles, it is crucial to build their capacity by developing implementation guidelines that outline clear norms and standards. These guidelines will be developed and issued by the Department of Water and Sanitation following the approval of this Policy.
The main objectives of the Policy are (i) create a regulatory framework for water service delivery on privately owned land; (ii) define internal mechanisms and resources for regulating access and infrastructure; (iii) promote equitable access to water and sanitation services; (iv) encourage water conservation and environmentally responsible technologies; (v) integrate water use for basic services with other competing needs; (vi) strengthen intergovernmental, cross-sectoral, and public-private coordination; (vii) align Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) policies with related legislation from other departments; (viii) improve data management and awareness of residents on private land; (ix) ensure regular review and updates of the Policy.