Presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Provincial & Local Government Branch: Free Basic Services and Infrastructure Mr Yusuf Patel 19 ~ 20 February 2008 Your partner in service delivery and development

OVERVIEW 1.Purpose of the Branch 2.Functional areas and strategic objectives of the Branch 3.High level reflection on the performance of the Branch 4.Issues raised by the Committee in the previous session in Strategic priorities for 2008/09 dplg 19~20 February 20082

1. Purpose of the Branch dplg 19~20 February 20083

1.1 Purpose of the Branch To address the infrastructure, service delivery and empowerment needs of communities in a participatory and sustainable manner dplg 19~20 February 20084

2. Functional areas of the Branch dplg 19~20 February 20085

2.1 Functional areas and strategic objectives  Municipal Infrastructure Create an enabling environment for municipal infrastructure provision primarily through the implementation of the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG).  Free Basic Services Co-ordination Support municipalities to provide Free Basic Services in a financially sustainable manner. dplg 19~20 February 20086

2.1 Functional areas (continued)  Municipal Service Partnerships Promote the participation of private sector, public sector, non- governmental and community-based organisations in service delivery.  Public Participation and Empowerment Support effective interaction and communication between municipalities and communities through functional ward committee system and community development workers. dplg 19~20 February 20087

3. High level reflection on the performance of the Branch dplg 19~20 February 20088

3.1 High level reflection on the performance of the Branch  The branch has orientated itself towards strategic management and monitoring of the municipal infrastructure environment. The effective management of MIG and improved spending by municipalities is key in delivering municipal infrastructure and extending service provision.  The branch has worked with line departments such as DWAF and support initiatives such as Siyenza Manje to build interim capacity in municipalities for infrastructure and project management. An innovative approach to project preparation funding and support has been initiated.  The branch has given attention to certain key issues that have plagued the Local Government environment for some time. This includes aligning sector, municipal and STATSSA information and reporting; strengthening municipal indigent policies and household targeting; and mobilisation of resources for ward committee functioning and development. dplg 19~20 February 20089

4. Issues raised by the Committee in the previous session in 2007 dplg 19~20 February

4.1 Issues raised in 2007 Bucket eradication in formal areas:  By the end of December 2007, an amount of (81%) of the buckets eradicated from the original target of buckets as at February 2005 were replaced with functional flush toilets.  The remaining (19%) were at an advanced stage of construction with the vast majority completed but not yet connected. It is envisaged that these facilities, the majority of which are concentrated in a single province (Free State) will be made functional by March  The bucket eradication programme was assisted through a national delivery support team and collaboration between dplg and DWAF. dplg 19~20 February

4.1 Issues raised in 2007 (continued) Resources for Ward Committees:  Dplg has mobilised funding from LGSETA for ward committee accredited training.  Funding agreement with the EU was signed to support community based participation.  Currently finalising option of subsidising municipalities via MSIG to fund ward committee activities. dplg 19~20 February

4.1 Issues raised in 2007 (continued) Low MIG spending by certain municipalities:  Overall the MIG spending trend is high by the end of the municipal financial year.  The challenge is to improve spending and reporting consistently throughout the year.  2006/7 was the first financial year that MIG was extended to all municipalities. Therefore many smaller municipalities have experienced start-up challenges.  This situation should improve with the support provided but also through enforcing accountability measures.  Recruitment and retention of professional and technical staff is key challenge. dplg 19~20 February

4.1 Issues raised in 2007 (continued) Secondary Cities and Investor Friendliness of Cities and Towns:  The finalisation of a national urban development framework is an activity in the 5-Year LG Agenda.  Dplg is working with the SACN on this framework that will outline a strategy for the growth and development of towns and cities in South Africa cutting across both urban and rural landscape.  The White Paper review process will also address the role of secondary cities in the intergovernmental context.  The National Framework for LED outlines key sets of actions for municipalities to build public and investor confidence. dplg 19~20 February

4.1 Issues raised in 2007 (continued) Service Delivery Protests:  Strengthening ward committees and speakers offices in municipalities is a key focus to build effective communication and reporting with communities.  Monitoring systems need to be developed at provincial and national level, including ward performance.  Dplg will assist municipalities to establish complaint management systems and referral systems for the public. dplg 19~20 February

4.1 Issues raised in 2007 (continued) Promoting Sustainable Development:  A study on the role of municipalities in promoting energy efficiency was initiated.  Comprehensive infrastructure planning in support of IDPs is being promoted to ensure sustainable infrastructure delivery and maintenance based on natural resource and environmental considerations.  As part of the national electricity emergency response plan alternative energy including solar geysers will be promoted and municipalities expected to regulate via by-laws. dplg 19~20 February

5. Strategic priorities for 2008/09 dplg 19~20 February

/09 Strategic Priorities Measurable ObjectiveOutputs Meet basic service delivery targets as set by national government in line with the Millennium Development Goals by supporting the development and implementation of comprehensive infrastructure plans by municipalities  Support development of Water Target roll out plan per municipality.  Review infrastructure backlog/plan, funding and sustainability requirements of municipalities.  Identify a list of municipalities that are suited to access alternative infrastructure financing  Implement alternative infrastructure financing in selected municipalities  Develop guidelines for CBO participation in service delivery dplg 19~20 February

/09 Strategic Priorities (continued) Measurable ObjectiveOutputs Extend provision of free basic services by supporting provinces in the co- ordination of the development and implementation of indigent policies and registers by municipalities  Improve utilisation of equitable share by municipality for free basic services  Assess municipal indigent registers Improve the functionality of ward committees by developing a funding model for ward committees and rolling out targeted training programmes  Develop ward committee funding model and roll out in all provinces  Conduct ward committee training and assessments  Develop CDW policy  Support establishment of community development trusts in targeted areas dplg 19~20 February

Thank You dplg 19~20 February