The Department of Water and Sanitation has started public consultations on a draft National Faecal Sludge Management Strategy (NFSMS) to improve sanitation.

The strategy is in response to the 2016 National Sanitation Policy and Water and Sanitation Master Plan requirements.

The consultations commenced in the Western Cape, with the first discussions held in George, followed by Stellenbosh on Friday.

The department is developing the National Faecal Sludge Management Strategy for onsite sanitation systems throughout the entire sanitation value chain.

Department spokesperson, Sputnik Ratau, said the second draft of the NFSMS has been completed, and is currently being presented to stakeholders to obtain inputs.

“The intention is to provide an opportunity to the sector to discuss the results of Status Quo Analysis from data received from provincial stakeholders and identify key issues and root causes contributing to the status of sanitation,” Ratau said.

At the heart of the NFSMS are the sanitation value chain positions of capture and containment, including emptying and transportation to ensure safe, affordable, and sustainable services are available to all users of onsite sanitation systems.

It also includes treatment to ensure that all faecal sludge is safely received and treated at appropriate treatment facilities.

Ratau said the strategy will be finalised early next year and implemented immediately.

Meanwhile, the department is reviving Provincial Sanitation Task Teams, which will comprised various national government departments, provincial government, local government, non-governmental organisations, and institutions of higher learning.

“The Provincial Sanitation Task Teams will, among other things, ensure coordinated efforts geared towards ensuring improved sanitation to restore the dignity of communities,” Ratau said.

Source: South African Government News Agency