Newsletter 132 - More than 50% of the country's waste water management systems perform poorly
This year’s “Green Drop” report on waste water management gives the Western Cape the highest provincial score at 83% and the Northern Cape the lowest at 23%. The minimum rating is 50% while a rating of 90% and above indicates excellent standards. Analysis of the 2010/11 Green Drop results indicate that municipal waste water service management in the country varies from ‘excellent’ (5%), to ‘unacceptable’ (39%).
The latest “Green Drop” report on waste water management was published by the Department of Water Affairs at the end of June. It shows that 56% of the country’s waste water management systems performed below average during the 2010/11 financial year. The Green Drop certification programme evaluates the performance of waste water services in the country. It rewards or penalises municipalities according to the minimum standards and requirements defined by the department.
The Western Cape was rated as the province with the most effective waste water management. It received a provincial Green Drop score of 83% and 19 Green Drop awards. However, 25% of the province’s waste water systems that were assessed received an unsatisfactory score of less than 50%.
KwaZulu-Natal was rated second, with a score of 82% and 11 awards. Some 34% of the systems assessed received a rating of less than 50%.
Gauteng followed in third place, with a score of 79% and five awards. Some 32% of systems received less than 50%.
In fourth place was the Eastern Cape with a score of 67% and three awards. Some 74% of systems received less than 50%.
Mpumalanga was placed in fifth position, with a score of 56% and one award. Some 59% of systems got less than 50%.
The North West was rated sixth in the country, with a score of 50% and one award. Some 83% of systems received less than 50%.
The Free State came in seventh place, with a score of 32% and no awards. Some 88% of systems got less than 50%.
In eighth place was Limpopo, with a rating of 24% and no awards. Some 85% of systems got less than 50%.
The worst rating was given to the Northern Cape, which received a score of 23% and no awards. Some 87% of systems received less than 50%.
A total of 156 municipalities and 821 waste water systems were assessed and the national Green Drop score was 71%. Of the 821 systems, 40 (5%) were in excellent condition and 78 (10%) in good condition. There were 243 (30%) systems which were rated as average. Of the remainder, 143 (17%) performed poorly and 317 (39%) were in a critical condition.
- Lerato Moloi
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