Knowledge about the origin of a municipality’s potable water: A prerequisite for consolidation of more effective local governance

Abstract

In the history of South Africa, the supply of potable water and basic sanitation services to all its inhabitants has never been higher in the national, provincial and especially the local government sphere agendas than at the end of April 1994. As a result of the change in Government, all the executive public institutions on all three spheres had to revisit and transform their executive authorities, acts, regulations and work procedures in such a manner that equally benefit all citizens of the country. With reference to national water affairs, the National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998) was promulgated to provide for reform of the law relating to water resources in South Africa with the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) as the key role-player. The presenters of this paper are of the opinion that a municipality which is fully dependant on the correct identification, development, transport and use of its potable water, can only be successful in bringing about effective, efficient and economical water services management if specific requirements are adhered to. The paper therefore will firstly identify some important physical environmental aspects to be considered by a typical municipality like the Tlokwe City Council when managing its potable water supply. Secondly, some crucial specialised hydrological, geo-hydrological and engineering knowledge and skills regarding the origin, handling and management of a municipality's potable water will be identified. Lastly, some logical conclusions and recommendations will be presented to cultivate an environment conducive to consolidating local governance and water management knowledge creation at the local government sphere of a developing South Africa.