Free State Water Sector Collaboration

1
Free State Water Sector Collaboration

• Presentation by
• LB Mabaso
• 05 March 2007
• Masibambane Coordinators Orientation
• Tropicana Hotel
• Durban

2
Contents

• Brief Background
• Approach
• Some practical examples
• Challenges
• Lessons learnt
• Conclusion

3
Brief Background

• FS Water Sector Forum revitalized April 2004
• Main partners were DWAF, SALGA, Local
  Municipalities (WSAs), Civil Society, Department
  of Local Government Housing, Department of
  Health, Department of Education (to a certain
  extent) and others who would be available on an
  Ad Hoc basis
• SALGA and DWAF identified as Chairs/ Champions
  for the Water Sector Forum
• Four Water Sector Forum Task Teams were
  identified PSTT, PJRT, Planning and
  Institutional Development.
• Task Teams led by various Water Sector partners,
  e.g. PJRT led by Local Government Housing, PSTT
  led by DWAF
• ToRs were drafted and adopted by the Forum
• Provincial Water Sector plan drafted and adopted
  by the Forum

4
Approach

• Make use of what you already have, the structures
  and some of their functions, work with and within
  those structures and add value in their issues
  and/or functions.
• Identify the strengths, weaknesses,
  opportunities, challenges of the existing
  structures and know the dynamics of the Province.
• Use the strengths of the other Water Sector
  partners or individuals within those structures.
• DWAF, as the Water Sector leader, should lead
  from behind were necessary.
• Proactive ness, innovation, initiative and the
  application of some measure of flexibility.
• Operate with the mouth sometimes shut, the eyes,
  ears and mind open.

5
Some Practical Examples

• Usage of the priorities of the Minister as a
  platform to support WSAs. e.g. Water loss/demand,
  DWQ issues.
• Usage of the SONA/SOPA to address the needs/
  priorities for the sector.
• LGH not having a specific dedicated section for
  Water and Sanitation, usage of the opportunity to
  fill the gap and provide support and engage with
  the sector and the MEC becoming the champion of
  the Water Sector.
• Usage of the IGR structures of the Premier to
  raise issues.
• Usage of the Social Cluster and their action plan
  to address Water and Sanitation issues.
• Usage of the ad hoc engagements with the offices
  of the MEC, the Premier and the other Water
  Sector partners.
• Usage of other platforms where DWAF is invited,
  e.g. the recent debt collection summit.

6
Challenges

• Duplications of structures/functions/support.
• Lack of commitment from the other Water Sector
  partners.
• Lack of attendance of meetings/workshops and
  other engagements, especially by the decision
  makers from the WSAs and the other water sector
  partners.
• Lack of champions for some other Water Sector
  issues.
• Changing leadership and/or officials from the
  WSAs

7
Lessons Learnt

• The water sector partners cannot afford to work
  in silos, collaboration is very important.
• Collaboration even outside the formal
  collaboration structures can achieve results.
• Never underestimate the importance of political
  championship.
• Knowledge of the (political) dynamics of the
  region is very important.

8
Conclusion

• The uniqueness of the Provinces is acknowledged
  and appreciated.
• What works good in one Province may not
  necessarily work in another, there is no one size
  fits all.
• Do what is best for your Province.
• Always try to turn lemon into lemonade.
• Learn by doing, do not be the spectator

9
Thank you for your attention