Water and Sanitation Services Policy on Privately Owned Land aims to accelerate the provision of services
As part of National Water Month observed during the month of March annually, the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr Senzo Mchunu, launched a landmark policy aimed at accelerating the delivery of access to water and sanitation services on privately owned land. The launch took place on Friday, 01 March 2024 at Cool Air Sport Grounds in Dalton under the uMshwathi Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal.
The Water and Sanitation Services on Privately Owned Land Policy was propelled by a court case in 2019 that sought to enforce the provision of basic services to farm dwellers and others who reside on privately owned land in different parts of the country. Following this, the Department developed the policy, which underwent extensive nationwide consultative processes for 90 days from December 2022 to March 2023 and subsequently approved by the Cabinet on the 29 of November 2023 for implementation.
Addressing hundreds of farm dwellers attending the policy launch held collaboratively with uMngeni-uThukela Water, the Association for Rural Advancement (AFRA), uMgungundlovu District and uMshwati Municipality, Minister Mchunu reiterated the Department’s commitment to ensure equitable provision of water and sanitation services.
“The purpose of the policy is to outline government’s intentions regarding water and sanitation services provision to residents living on privately owned land. It establishes a framework for enhancing water and sanitation services provision in such areas, with specific strategies to be developed at provincial, district, and local municipal levels,” said Minister Mchunu.
“We are not here to just say we are launching the policy and then leave it there. We have measures put in place to ensure the effective and successful implementation of this policy, working collaboratively with other sister departments, civil society organisations and all spheres of government,” he added.
A comprehensive status quo analysis has been done by uMgungundlovu District Municipality in response to the 2019 court judgement. Thus far, four (4) boreholes in uMngeni, two (2) in iMpendle, one (1) in uMshwathi, nine (9) uMkhambathini and two (2) in Richmond have been developed to ensure access to clean water. A total of 231 basic sanitation facilities have been provided within the uMngungundlovu District Municipality.
Adding to this, uMsunduzi Local Municipality has started with the planning process and has conducted a census of all farms under their jurisdiction needing clean water and safe sanitation services. This will enable them to allocate resources and start with the implementation of the policy.
Minister Mchunu further emphasised the commitment to implement the policy nationwide, and just not in the KwaZulu-Natal Province.
“As much as the policy is being launched under the uMgungundlovu District, its implementation will cover all corners of South Africa. We are calling upon all stakeholders to avail their resources and work alongside the Department to ensure the full implementation of the policy. This policy is not just a document, but a programme of action to provide basic services to people living on privately owned land,” said Minister Mchunu.
The launch of the Water and Sanitation Services on Privately Owned Land Policy marked the beginning of a transformative journey for the Department of Water and Sanitation and sector as a whole. It is not just a set of rules but a commitment to a shared future where communities thrive, the environment flourishes, and every individual experiences the dignity that comes with access to basic water supply and sanitation services.
The launch provided residents, key stakeholders and duty-bearers, with a comprehensive understanding of the policy's key features and benefits, which amongst others includes, improved access to reliable and safe water sources; enhanced service delivery; and increased transparency and accountability.
For more information, contact
Wisane Mavasa, Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation
Cell: 060 561 8935
