THE WAY FORWARD

The Blue Drop Watch Report will be used as a basis to inform appropriate regulatory and support with the objective to facilitate the correction, restoration and improvement of water services to consumers. The report further serves to inform stakeholders and government departments as to the current status of drinking water infrastructure in the field, with the intent to mobilise rectification measures without having to wait for the release of the Blue Drop Audit Report.

The regulator will continue to monitor performance in terms of Section 62 of the Water Services Act and will engage together with CoGTA, Salga and MISA, all water institutions that fail to meet safe drinking water standards. Should corrective actions fail, the DWS will consider civil action together with actions contemplated under section 63 of the Water Services Act (No. 108 of 1997) to ensure that ministerial directives are issued with timeframes for implementation. Failure to respond will trigger remedial action be taken at cost of the non-complying entity or municipality.

The DWS will take steps to improve its capacity to respond more effectively in this duty, in ensuring visible and measurable improvement in drinking water services. CoGTA and National Treasury will be engaged to explore ways of utilising conditional grants for the purpose of remedial intervention.