Newly-appointed Amatola Water chief executive officer, Vuyo Zitumane says improving stakeholder relationships are among her top priorities in the short term.

Zitumane joins the organisation at a time when its turnaround plan, endorsed by the Department of Water and Sanitation, is underway.

The plan, which will be implemented over the next five years, forms the foundation for the future direction of Amatola Water and through it the utility will focus on four key areas:  Improving the water utility’s financial viability and bulk water services (primary), improving Amatola Water’s performance as an implementing agent for water infrastructure (secondary business) and reconnecting with stakeholders.

Championing innovation and transformation

Among her key priorities, Zitumane will champion research on innovative mechanisms to mitigate the acute drought and water shortage in parts of the province, enhance the utility’s internal project management capacity and capability, as well as ensure the advancement of transformation in the water sector.

“Whilst we will not compromise on quality, we will be very robust when it comes to advancing transformation efforts, particularly at the consulting and contractor level.”

“The newly published BBBEE regulations have to find expression in our supply chain policy in order to ensure that there is equitable distribution of opportunities across the board,” she adds.

Rebuilding stakeholder trust

Zitumane has hit the ground running. Already she has met with the board and staff at Amatola Water’s East London head office. These meetings are to be followed by visits to the remaining 400 employees at eight other sites across the province.

“These engagements are the first step in creating a committed workforce and a working environment conducive to rebuilding the required internal competency and stakeholder trust,” she explains.

She also plans to visit other key stakeholders in the next month.