NBI - TAMDEV

TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH COLLABORATIVE INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT:

HOW MENTORSHIP IN MUNICIPALITIES IS CHANGING LIVES

The ability to create and retain jobs is directly affected by a well-functioning Local Government. Establishing this enabling environment facilitates crucial development, growth, and sustainability for the business sector. There are serious concerns that deficient service delivery at the local level severely impacts the efficiency and outputs of business and industry, with some industries opting to relocate to other countries. The cost to do business has increased dramatically due to stoppages in production because of infrastructure deficiencies such as water, sewage and electricity delivery. This directly affects employment, and it is a major concern to business, government, and the affected communities.

In July 2019, the National Business Initiative (NBI) was officially appointed as the project champion for the Technical Assistance, Mentorship and Development (TAMDEV) Jobs Summit Programme. The overall goal of TAMDEV is to strengthen the capacity of the State, with the aim of improving service delivery and creating job opportunities.

On 9 June 2020, the National Business Initiative (NBI) and the Ministry of Cooperative Governance (DCOG) entered an Agreement to mobilise Business Stakeholders, by partnering in a collective effort to implement the District Development Model (DDM) and ultimately improve the state of Local Government.

The growing need for capacity has resulted in additional requests from the Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure to support Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) in the development of a credible infrastructure pipeline, as well as the Ministry of Water and Sanitation (DWS), to address the dire water situation in municipalities. This included critical support in terms of the Nelson Mandela Bay Drought mitigation efforts as well the water and sanitation crisis in the Matjhabeng Municipality. >

A Remarkable Journey in the Matjhabeng Municipality

In the arid landscape of South Africa, water is a lifeline, and sanitation is a fundamental human right. Unfortunately, many regions in the country have struggled with a water and sanitation crisis, making it a challenge for residents to access clean water and proper sanitation facilities. Amidst this backdrop, a remarkable collaboration has emerged as a beacon of hope, determined to rewrite the narrative of the Matjhabeng Municipality.

The National Business Initiative (NBI), through its Technical Assistance, Mentorship, and Development (TAMDEV) Unit, joined forces with the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), Bloem Water (now Vaal Central Water), and an NBI member company on a mission that not only improved water and sanitation infrastructure but also fostered trust between the government and civil society. This remarkable journey in the Municipality stands as a testament to the power of collective action in addressing one of the country's most pressing challenges.

Building Trust, Fostering Collaboration, and Moving Beyond the Water and Sanitation Crisis

The water crisis is a global concern, but South Africa's struggle with water scarcity is particularly poignant. The nation faces the dual challenge of securing sufficient drinking water for its population while simultaneously managing wastewater and sanitation effectively. In Matjhabeng, as in many other South African municipalities, the water crisis has manifested as unreliable access to clean drinking water, sewage leaks, crumbling infrastructure, and a perpetual struggle to provide safe sanitation services to its residents. The severity of this crisis has far-reaching implications for the well-being and livelihoods of its people.

Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, essential for health, dignity, and economic development. Inadequate water supply and sanitation services lead to a myriad of problems, from disease outbreaks to limiting opportunities for education and economic growth. Solving this crisis is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic move for a nation seeking to prosper and ensure the well-being of its people.

The strategic establishment of the Executive Water Management Committee, composed of leaders from DWS, Bloem Water (now Vaal Central Water), NBI, and Matjhabeng Local Municipality. This committee took on the crucial roles of decisionmaking, overcoming project obstacles, addressing procurement challenges, overseeing service providers, and setting priorities for projects. Simultaneously, a Command Control Centre was set up, turning the effort into a daily operation and providing the gravity required for a meaningful impact.

This collaborative approach was instrumental in breaking down bureaucratic barriers.

Vandalism, particularly to manhole covers, was identified as a significant threat to the mission's success. This realisation highlighted the importance of seemingly trivial elements like manhole covers in maintaining safety and preventing blockages caused by sand infiltrating pipelines. It was a stark reminder that even the smallest details matter in the grand scheme of resolving this crisis.

Matjhabeng's plight is emblematic of a broader issue in South Africa. In order for the country to thrive, it is imperative to address these issues head-on, emphasising the significance of projects like the Ministerial Intervention in Matjhabeng.

The intervention's focus on four critical areas - improving wastewater quality, clearing sewage leaks, reducing water leaks to increase municipal revenue, and enhancing drinking water quality - led to astonishing results. In just four months, 27% of households witnessed a transformation. With the repair of 716 meters of sewer pipe network, the replacement of 30% of collapsed pipelines (amounting to 128 kilometers), the unblocking and recovery of 20% (6,040) of open manholes, and the refurbishment of four pump stations, the community's resilience is growing. The completion of the Odendaals Rus Pipeline marks a significant milestone, ensuring better water availability and thus improving the overall well-being of the community and the Municipality's financial prospects.

Empowering Communities for Sustainability

Sustainability was at the heart of this initiative. A Public Awareness Campaign was launched, and 15 community members were trained as Sanitation Agents to educate their communities about basic sanitation system maintenance and infrastructure protection. The ripple effect of this educational outreach is an investment in the long-term sustainability of these improvements. The commitment to sustainability extends beyond the intervention's timeline. The TAMDEV unit's mentorship program empowers civil servants to manage their responsibilities effectively, overcome daily challenges, and leave a lasting impact. The Project Dashboard implementation helps in project prioritisation, procurement tracking, and contractor performance management, ensuring the community's long-term well-being.

Despite the challenges that came their way, including changes in leadership and a cholera outbreak, the team remained unwavering in its mission. As the current funding and support phase concludes in December 2023, the importance of a seamless transition cannot be overstated. This project's continuation will ensure the sustainable management of water resources post the Ministerial intervention, benefiting both the Municipality and its community.

The Ministerial Intervention in Matjhabeng Municipality is a shining example of how collaborative efforts can bring about meaningful

change in the face of a daunting water and sanitation crisis. The work carried out by the NBI, DWS, Bloem Water (now Vaal Central Water), and an NBI member company has not only improved the lives of the residents but also set a precedent for addressing similar challenges throughout South Africa. The water and sanitation crisis are a shared responsibility that affects us all, and it's imperative that we join hands to bring lasting, impactful change to communities in need. Together, we can transform lives through infrastructure development.

Contact details:

Phone: 011 544 6000

Website: www.nbi.org.za

Address: 5th Floor, 61 Katherine Street, Dennehof, Sandton, Gauteng, 2196, South Africa