The essence of water services management according to surface water catchment regions: a case study of Delmas Municipality

Abstract

The nature and extent of local governance regarding water services management in South Africa (SA) have been transformed since the proclamation of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, the National Water Act 36 of 1998 and the Local Government:Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998. For the fi rst time, the place and role of a developmentally orientated local government sphere have been clearly identifi ed. Unfortunately, there are some serious challenges that the newly-merged municipalities must try to manage more effectively, effi ciently, economically, equally and environmentally sensitively than their predecessors did. Aspects that come to mind include the need to incorporate a more holistic and integrated management approach to water services management according to the surface water catchment areas the Department of Water Affairs demarcated, to consider account the dangers of developing urban areas that are geologically underlain by dolomite rock, as well as the need to obtain, develop and retain the necessary experience, knowledge and skills capacity to manage the diverse and highly-complex basic services, such as the potable (drinking) water supply in a sustainable manner. This article will fi rstly highlight the changed environmental context of public service delivery in the local government sphere of the country. Hereafter, the focus will shift to the nature and extent of current realities of local governance. This includes the dynamics and challenges regarding a basic public service, such as potable water supply. Lastly, the nature and extent of water services management in, for example a municipality situated in a dolomite area (Delmas) will be explored. The article aims to contribute to the cultivation of an environment conducive to consolidating local governance and gaining knowledge of water management in the local government sphere.