The delivery of sanitation services, with a particular emphasis on the eradication of the undignified bucket system has never been more critical, according to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Director-General (DG), Margaret-Ann Diedricks.

She says that the department’s Ten Year Plan cannot and must not be allowed to gather dust, adding that while the delivery of basic services must happen and happen quickly,” we must also be vigilant that all the governance processes and requirements are strictly adhered to.”

“All the advice around the relevant fiduciary responsibilities are necessary for all of us, with me taking the ultimate accountability, are there for us to look after all that the electorate has given us responsibility” she said.

Diedricks added that all the major water infrastructure projects currently underway must be steered towards completion in the allocated timeframes. Proper and timely support to local government must happen within the allowed parameters while being conscious of the need to address the communities’ patience and right to services.

She explained that the service delivery tools DWS has, from the Constitution, to the National Water Act, Water Services Act, Water Research Act, including all the relevant policy mandates and strategies, formed a solid basis upon which to build its plans in the next financial year.

“My mandate as I recognise it revolves around ensuring that the Department of Water and Sanitation carries out its task to the letter.

“The political guidance and direction impacted upon by the government’s Plan of Action will drive all our efforts to bring us to the top of the pile in terms of responding to and caring about people’s needs, “she noted.

“Management has an increased departmental spending which implies that our responsibility is to ensure that all that expenditure is utilised for the good of especially, the underprivileged,” concludes Diedricks.