The perceptions of municipal water service officials on the Blue Drop Certification Programme. The case of Nkangala district municipality

Abstract

The Blue Drop Certification Programme was introduced in 2008 by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) with the aim of maintaining and improving drinking water quality in the Republic of South Africa. The Programme involves a compulsory annual assessment of water services authorities’ management and service rendering of the potable water supply in their respective geographical areas of responsibility. It is against this background that the authors undertook a mixed data collection methodology research venture to determine how the officials of these authorities (municipalities) perceive the Programme. The research brought to light the following core findings (albeit perceptions): ● The Blue Drop Certification Programme has the support of the majority of municipal officials who participated in the research. ● Municipal officials involved with the assessment programme experienced it as an inspiration for improved performance. ● There is a lack or poor understanding of the water sector’s legal framework including the Blue Drop Certification Programme’s assessment criteria by some participating municipal employees. ● There is a lack of managerial and political leadership involvement and support for the water services functions in municipal areas.