CAN WE “AFFORD” TO….. OR NOT TO? Appropriate Technologies Conference 3 & 4 September 2007 Mogale Ephraim Matseba Gauteng Region

PRESENTATION OVERVIEW 1.Introduction 2.Legislative Framework 3.Institutional Framework 4.Deciding on Appropriate Technology 5.Can we “afford” to….or not to?

The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry’s core function is to ensure that all South Africans have equitable access to water and sanitation, and that the country’s water resources and forests are managed in a sustainable manner. Introduction

Legislative Framework The Water Act, 1956 (Act 54 of 1956) White Paper on a National Water Policy for SA The Water Services Act, 1997 (Act 108 of 1997) The National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998)

Legislative Framework

Institutional Framework Water Resource Water Service Authority Water Service Provider Water Service User Water Resource User Water Resource Discharger National Water ActWater Services Act

Institutional Framework Catchment Management Strategy Water Service Dev Plan NWAWSA Resource DrivenService Delivery Based Business Plan

Re-classification Determination of a more lenient Resource Management Class Determination of a more stricter Resource Management Class Differentiation Principle Relaxation Stricter Standards/ Compulsory licensing Prohibition of in-stream or land-based activities Precautionary Principle Min. Requirements for waste disposal Waste Discharge Standards for discharge of water containing waste Waste Minimisation Treat, BMPs, Cleaner Tech.s, Recycle, Reuse, Detoxify, Neutralise Pollution Prevention Deciding on Appropriate Technology

Scale and Potential-to-Influence Government Stakeholders Deciding on Appropriate Technology

Stakeholders Government CMA IDP WUA Scale and Potential-to-Influence Deciding on Appropriate Technology

VIP Toilets or Equivalent Advantages Low capital and operating cost Robust system Easy to build Disadvantages Not possibly where settlement densities are high or very high groundwater table. Toilet must be outside De-sludging arrangements required. Low-flow onsite systems Advantages Fairly low capital and operating cost Easy to install Disadvantages Water has to be carried to flashing tank Digesters must be emptied regularly seep out onto ground level

Deciding on Appropriate Technology Intermediate sanitation systems Advantages No soakaway required on the plot Suits hilly or flat areas – gradient not critical for flow Disadvantages Requires sewers as well as digesters. Fairly expensive Tanks require desludging – not done properly whole system fails Full waterborne sanitation Advantages Convenient from users point of view Disadvantages Expensive Uses most water Everyone must be connected, even those that can not afford it!

Can we “afford” to….or not to?