Question NW770 to the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation

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20 September 2019 - NW770

Profile picture: Tseke, Ms GK

Tseke, Ms GK to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation

In view of the fact that some of her department’s catalytic and/or mega projects are not following the complete project matrix plan, (a) what details can she provide on how plans of a catalytic project are initiated and (b) has she found that there is integrated planning where all role players become involved?

Reply:

CATALYTIC PROJECTS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS:

(a) All the projects within the housing programmes including catalytic projects follow an approved human settlements project readiness matrix (PRM) as outlined in the PRM required as part of annual business planning processes of Provinces for the approval of the allocation of the human settlement development grant.

The target for the previous Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) period was to identify and implement fifty (50) national priority catalytic projects using different tenure options to deliver mega, high impact integrated and sustainable human settlements that clearly demonstrate spatial, social and economic integration. The assessment process that was conducted in initiating catalytic projects and getting them approved by MINMEC was as follows:

Stage 1: This stage adhered to the three core principles and criteria of Impact, Integration and Project Readiness aligned to the Human Settlements Master Spatial Plan (MSP).

Stage 2: This stage looked at the detailed project description; project readiness; institutional, financial and legal arrangements; socio-economic impact and how it links to the plans of the province and the municipality within which the catalytic project is being developed.

Stage 3: This stage was assessing the technical project readiness interrogating and conducting an in-depth analysis of the due diligence reports from stage 2. Further this analysis looked at the risks involved in the project development life cycle and analysed the factors that could hamper or delay the implementation of projects including availability of bulk infrastructure required for these projects.

Stage 4: The last stage was an assessment that was conducted by the Public Investment Unit of the National Treasury to look at the catalytic projects from a public finance and public economics point of view.

(b) The plans for a catalytic project identified are aligned to the Human Settlements Master Spatial Plan (MSP) developed by the Department of Human Settlements. The MSP articulates the principles and approaches for the formulation of spatial targeting with the intention to direct spatial transformation of cities and towns whilst considering the efficient utilization of land and therefore defined the spatial, social and economic integration components required from catalytic projects. The MSP also seeks to promote the integration of basic services and social amenities in human settlement developments in line with general principles applicable to housing development. Planning for the implementation of these catalytic projects is done in a coordinated and streamlined process between and amongst spheres of government and across government departments.

CATALYTIC PROJECTS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND SANITATION:

a) Honourable Member, catalytic and/or mega projects are planned in a fully integrated manner involving all interested and affected stakeholders in such projects. These projects can be initiated either on the supply side, that is for example, the development of a dam or a well field (borehole) or from the demand side within a particular municipality.

Water schemes are complex, costly and require long lead times (10 years +) from identifying the need, to the final operation. This is underpinned by coordinated planning following steps that include needs identification, conceptualising, reconnaissance studies, pre-feasibility, feasibility investigations, financing, detailed design, implementation and commissioning for operation. These rigorous but necessary steps are followed diligently as required by the National Water Act (NWA, Act 36, 1998), and applicable environmental legislation of the country. The NWA requires the Minister to develop and give effect to the National Water Resource Strategy (NWRS), which is updated at least every 5 years. The NWRS identifies key strategic focus areas, which are further developed into master plans and other guidelines that are implemented. The Department ensures that Project Planning and execution of mega projects follows the clear and identified steps that have evolved over the past in implementing various water schemes in the country.

From a water services perspective and in terms of the Water Services Act (108 of 1997), it is a legislative mandate of every Water Services Authority in the country to develop a Water Services Development Plan (WSDP) for its area of jurisdiction over a 5 year period and as part of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) process (Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000).

The Integrated Development Plan (IDP) is a five-year plan which local government is required to compile to determine all the development needs of the municipality from the perspective of all services that fall under their responsibility: water, sanitation, roads, electricity etc. This process requires the full participation of all stakeholders for all projects including catalytic / mega projects. The development of a WSDP and an IDP is the responsibility of a Water Service Authority through the Department of Corporate Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA). The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) provides support to the WSA to ensure the WSDP completion.

b) Integrated Water Resources Development planning is the cornerstone of successful project execution and delivery to the intended beneficiaries of water schemes. The Department follows fully laid out processes through the requisite project governance structures like coordinating committees or Project Steering committees, which steer, guide and ensure project are planned and implemented with full participation of all stakeholders so that outcomes are delivered successfully. Thus, Interested and affected parties (I&APs) are given a platform to play an integral role from the identification process to the successful implementation of the project.

From a local government perspective Integrated Planning which includes Water Services Development Planning ensures maximum involvement of all stakeholders. The Spatial Land Management Act (SPLUMA) also provides the legal requirements for spatial planning and land management through a fully integrated process at National, Provincial and Local Level which includes the provision of water and sanitation services.

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