2 minute read
CEO’s comment
WE NEED ACTION
AND ACCOUNTABILITY
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While preparing for the upcoming 2022 WISA Biennial Conference, I came across a file with my old speeches. My heart dropped when I read an excerpt from my 2014 WISA Biennial Conference speech. By Lester Goldman, CEO, WISA
Local best practice seems to give us the thumbs up if say, as a municipality, we score 70% in our Blue Drop and Green Drop assessments. My question is, is that good enough? Should we not be striving for 90% or even higher? Has mediocrity become the new norm?”
How far we have fallen since the last report in 2013... The latest Green Drop Report reveals wastewater compliance has plummeted in the intervening years. In 2021, of the 850 municipal wastewater treatment works, 334 (39%) are in a critical state, obtaining a score of 30% or less.
Stemming the tide
These results, and the action needed, will be discussed at length in the upcoming conference under one of our subthemes, ‘Stemming the tide’.
At least the water sector now has measurements to evaluate its performance. The Green Drop Report should result in a developmental improvement plan for municipalities. WISA and its members are eager to be a part of that process. While WISA is willing and able to assist and guide municipalities on how to improve their performance, these municipalities must begin to take responsibility for improving basic services.
A slow – or no – response from failing municipalities cannot be tolerated and we call on the Department of Water and Sanitation as well as Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to take action on any errant municipalities who make no effort to be part of this process. We call for improved accountability and performance, as well as consequences for counsellors and administrators who are slowing down or even hindering progress. There have been eight years of no reporting; we cannot have another eight years of no implementation. The time to act starts now. We need accountability and performance. We need change and we absolutely must do everything possible to reverse the downward trajectory and make improvements.
Unfortunately, there is very little water professionals can do if politicians and administrators are not held accountable...
Let’s make the best of it
On a lighter note, I look forward to seeing everyone at this year’s conference. I want to thank the sponsors and exhibitors for their enthusiastic response and urge everyone to book their spot before we reach capacity.
