the role of local government in realising the right to sanitation
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The role of local government in realising the right to sanitation
Allison Geduld
North-West University (Potchefstroom)
Cloacina – Goddess of the sewers
Outline Introduction Consequences of the failure to provide
sanitation services Whose duty is it? Legal Framework Beja case Conclusion
Introduction Basic sanitation is a basic municipal service
Great strides have been made in improving access to sanitation since 1994
Although many people have access to sanitation facilities challenges exist wrt surrounding issues
Consequences of failure to provide sanitation services Sanitation-related
diseases cost millions of rands to treat annually
Diarrhoea is currently the third highest cause of death for infants
A lack of sanitation could lead to an uncontrollable outbreak of disease
Whose duty is it? Schedule 4B of the Constitution
Structures Act
Co-operative government
Legal Framework No express constitutional right but a
constitutional right can be inferred (water, housing, environment, dignity and privacy)
Section 3 of the Water Services Act
Section 7(2) of the Constitution
This right should be understood against the backdrop of developmental local government (Section 153 of the Constitution)
Regulation 2 of the Regulations Relating to Compulsory National Standards and Measures to Conserve Water in terms of Government notice R509 of 8 June 2001
states: “The minimum standard for basic sanitation services is- (a) The provision of appropriate health and hygiene education; and
(b) A toilet which is safe, reliable, environmentally sound, easy to clean, provides privacy and protection against the weather, well ventilated, keeps smells to a minimum and prevents the entry and exit of flies and other disease-carrying pests.”
Urban and rural perspectives Urban and rural municipalities might have
different needs and features
Dry sanitation vs Waterborne?
Location
Beja and Another v Premier of the Western Cape Facts
Was the agreement between the community and the municipality valid?
Beja and Another v Premier of the Western Cape Emphasised the role of public participation
and recognition of local communities in decision-making
Requirements for when agreements are made between municipality and community about socio-economic rights
The realisation of the right to sanitation is not just about distribution of resources
Requirements for agreements between municipality and local community (i) it must be concluded with duly authorised
representatives of the community (ii) it must be concluded with meetings held with
adequate notice for those representatives to get a proper mandate from their constituencies
(iii) it must be properly minuted and publicised (iv) it must be preceded by some process of
information sharing and where necessary technical support so that the community is properly assisted.
Must take into account the vulnerable.
Conclusion Basic sanitation is a basic municipal service
and constitutional right
It is about more than the distribution of resources
Public participation plays an important role
Differences between urban and rural municipalities
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