Accelerating Sanitation Delivery in the Western Cape: The Role of the Provincial Sanitation Task Team

The Western Cape Provincial Sanitation Task Team (PSTT) is a Department of Water and Sanitation-led initiative that aims to provide adequate and equitable sanitation to the citizens of the Western Cape. In this article, we will take a closer look at the PSTT’s role in accelerating sanitation delivery in the region, including its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.2 target and the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 vision.

Establishing the PSTT

The rapid growth of informal settlements in the Western Cape region necessitated the establishment of the PSTT. The PSTT serves as a vehicle to drive integrated planning, monitoring, reporting, and implementation of sanitation programs and projects. The Chief Director responsible for the National Sanitation Services Support, Andre Van de Walt, emphasizes the importance of the PSTT in monitoring the delivery of sanitation services, ensuring compliance with norms, standards, policies, and strategies.

Aligning with SDG 6.2 and NDP 2030 Vision

The PSTT’s efforts align with SDG 6.2 and the NDP 2030 vision, both of which aim to achieve universal, sustainable, and reliable water supply and sanitation provision for all citizens. The development of the National Sanitation Integrated Plan (NSIP) is being spearheaded by the PSTT. Improved coordination and planning among responsible sector stakeholders are crucial to the success of the NSIP.

Current Status of Sanitation Services in the Western Cape

According to the STATS SA 2022 General Households Survey Report, approximately 94% of Western Cape households have access to sanitation. However, more work is needed to cover the remaining 6% shortfall. Mchumane Hlazo, Coordinator of the DWS Western Cape Sanitation, highlights the need for the NSIP to analyze and confirm the status of sanitation provision and identify contributors to poor sanitation delivery performance along the sanitation service chain.

Ensuring Equity and Adequacy of Sanitation Delivery

The PSTT’s main objective is to ensure the delivery of adequate and equitable sanitation services in the Western Cape region. By providing strategic leadership and technical advice, the PSTT will ensure compliance with norms, standards, and policies while promoting integrated planning, monitoring, and reporting. Furthermore, the development of the NSIP will help to achieve universal access to sanitation and ensure that no citizen is left behind.

In summary, the establishment of the Western Cape PSTT is an important initiative that seeks to accelerate the delivery of adequate and equitable sanitation services in the region. With water being life and sanitation providing dignity, the efforts of the PSTT and its partners are essential to improve the quality of life for the people of the Western Cape.