The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the North West Provincial Government are making progress with their efforts to eradicate the bucket system and address sanitation backlogs in the province.

The two formed a partnership in 2006 to do away with the bucket system by December 2007 in response to a government priority target set by the State President.

The DBSA allocated R100 million in bridging funding for the North West Sanitation Programme which involves the installation of water-borne sanitation in three municipalities (which encompasses five towns). 

Eleven projects commenced in all the five identified towns in April 2006 and eight projects have already been completed.  Of the targeted 10 146 buckets, 8 950 have been eradicated. This translates to an achievement of 88% of the target. 

The three municipalities that were targeted under this programme are all classified as Market three municipalities (poorer and lacking institutional capacity).  Taking into consideration the constraints faced by these municipalities, two interventions were undertaken.  Firstly, technical programme managers were deployed under Siyenza Manje to assist the municipalities where required.

Also, a Steering Committee was formed and meets on a monthly basis where feedback is provided on progress made and/or problems experienced.  Representation on the committee includes the DBSA, Siyenza Manje, the participating municipalities, the Department of Provincial and Local Government and Department of Water Affairs and Forestry.

In terms of further development impact achieved, over 650 temporary jobs were created on average over the life-span of the bucket eradication project.  Workers also received on-the-job training and a dedicated budget of R3,1 million is providing specific training for 50 learners in the construction industry.  Over 20% of the total budget was paid to local workers in wages and 25% of all contracts were awarded to 100% BEE contractors.

Although significant progress has been in eradicating the bucket system, it became evident during the implementation programme that the municipalities have other infrastructure backlogs, especially bulk sanitation and water (bulk and reticulation). Future programmes are being developed to address these particular problems.