Keeping up the momentum

Despite the odds, progress in improving the rural water supply situation over recent years has been encouraging.

National water supply coverage

National coverage increased from less than 5 per cent during the early 1980s to around 35 per cent by the end of 1995. The annual rise is currently running at 3 to 4 per cent — this against a steadily increasing population base.

National Water Supply Coverage

However, a good start never guarantees a great finish. Not all projects have delivered results up to expectations — there have been some failures and set-backs. Despite this, the mood within the DWD and other sector agencies is one of optimism. Staff are keen to make up ground; to recover momentum previously lost.

Monitoring

The national framework for water resources management and development will have no significance if the actions are not implemented and unless all concerned parties are aware of the principles and procedures and are prepared to co-operate in its implementation. In order to know and assess the impact of the policies and strategies, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms must be established. The DWD will be the key monitoring agent. It has established a basic list of indicators to monitor and evaluate progress in policy implementation across the three main components of activities. Monitoring and evaluation activities are also integral components of the National WES Programme as well as the Rural Towns Water and Sanitation Programme.

Water action plan implementation: Monitoring indicators