MEDIA RELEASE 31 October 2006 CITY LAUNCHES EXPANDED BASIC WATER AND SANITATION DELIVERY PROGRAMME Introduction Tthe City of Joburg, and Joburg Water, will deliver 20 000 individual Ventilated Improved (VIP) toilets, and connect 20 000 households through communal standpipes in 2006/07. Next year the project will expand further, to ensure that we reach our goal of eradication all water backlogs by 2008, and all sanitation backlogs by 2010. We aim to ensure every household has at least a basic level of service, until we can provide high-level services for everyone in formal areas. This expanded backlog eradication initiative is called 'Project Thonifho' – because it is about safeguarding the dignity of all. City roleplayers The City of Johannesburg is committed to building an inclusive city, where all residents can access the benefits and amenities that this City offers. In the past, informal settlements were often neglected. In line with the Executive Mayor's priorities for his five year term of office, the City is committed to improving service delivery, especially in informal settlements, and especially through improved water and sanitation services. The City has a strong partnership with its Water Services Provider, Joburg Water. With Joburg Water, the City is committed to eradicating water and sanitation backlogs in line with City and national objectives. The City is responsible for ensuring all residents have water and sanitation services My department, Infrastructure and Services, drives service delivery Joburg Water undertakes actual delivery of water and sanitation services, on behalf of the City. Joburg Water is a municipal-owned entity, owned 100% by the City. It is the implementing arm of the City's water and sanitation mandate. Backlog program The City has been working steadily to eradicate service backlogs for many years. But new research shows that we need to scale up and accelerate our programs to eradicate service backlogs. Secondly, it shows that informal settlements are the areas needing most urgent attention. The City is committed to making high level services – house taps and flush toilets – the norm in all permanent settlements. But many informal settlements are not permanent. For example, they may be on land that is unsafe for development. So interim measures are needed, until a settlement can be proclaimed and developed, or until its residents can be relocated to a new housing development. This basic services program is an interim measure – to provide at least basic water and sanitation services as soon as possible to as many people as possible. This is not the end of the road for those who receive basic services. This is an interim measure, until the settlement can be formalized. Permanent settlements will all have high level services. Project Thonifho is an exciting programme, which will bring benefits to hundreds of thousands of people . The investment required is huge. This year alone, the City and Joburg Water will spend R151-million improving basic water and sanitation services. This funding is sourced from national grant funding, like the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG); from the resources of the City and Joburg Water's own resources. Next year, the level of investment will be even higher. HIV- AIDS Improved water and sanitation services is an integral part of the City's strategy for combating HIV and AIDS, and making the City safer and healthier. Improved basic hygiene is one of the most important, most effective and simplest measures we can practice to protect the health and well-being of those whose immune systems are compromised. Improved water and sanitation facilities are also vital for those living with the virus, and those who care for them. Improved access to clean water and safe toilets empowers people live in greater health, and with greater dignity. The City, with Joburg Water, is committed to ensuring that all may enjoy dignity, through improved water and sanitation services. Issued on behalf of Cllr Roslynn Greeff, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Infrastructure and Services; and Mr Gerald Dumas, Managing Director, Johannesburg Water. Further enquiries: Zali Mbombo (Ms) Executive Manager: Marketing and Communications Johannesburg Water (Pty) Ltd 688 1545 Fax 688 1528 Cell: 079 490 5109