The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) had a session with Municipalities in Mpumalanga, last week, to share lessons on Infrastructure.
Dudu Sifunda, Head of Operations in Mpumalanga, and Masala Mulaudzi from the DWS, were also at the session.
Mulaudzi said the aim was to engage municipalities on project progress, share information and best
practices, and collectively improve water and sanitation service delivery. It also provided a
platform for municipalities to outline challenges, propose solutions, and learn from each other’s
experiences.
“The purpose is to discuss Water Services Authorities’ project progress, challenges, and
solutions; clarify DWS grant policies and frameworks; and review key aspects like the Blue,
Green, and No Drop status in Mpumalanga. Additionally, this meeting aims to recognize the
strong performers and address challenges to ensure improved water and sanitation services for
our communities” said Mulaudzi.
Mandisa Matiso had a lot to say about financial and non-financial performance of Municipalities in the last 3 years. “Our major challenge is operations and maintenance, even as we implement projects,” she said.
Other topics discussed extensively are donor framework, groundwater, incomplete projects, vandalism, theft and illegal connections.