New Approved SA Sanitation Policy

New Approved SA Sanitation Policy

On the 7th of December 2016, the Department of Water and Sanitation approved the new Sanitation Policy. This policy represents a convergence between our vision and the trajectory of the SA Government’s strategic outlook.

The following extract from the new Sanitation Policy represent that convergence

1. Sanitation at Public and Private Institutions

Problem Statement

The previous policy did not address sanitation in privately owned institutions like churches, and creches;or public institutional sanitation

Policy Outcome

• All public and private institutions are responsible to provide sanitation services including hand washing facilities and hygiene education
• All public and private institutions are responsible for the operation, maintenance and refurbishment of sanitation systems

2. Appropriate Sanitation Technologies

Problem Statement

Sanitation improvement options are currently limited to a few Technologies

Policy outcome

• The criteria for appropriate technologies will be developed and covered by norms and standards
• the implementation of appropriate technology will be within social, environmental and economic constraints.

3. Greywater Management in Sanitation Service Provision

Problem statement

Incorrect storage, use and disposal of grey water are leading to a variety of health concerns, including mosquito breeding, (from ponding of grey water); contamination of drinking water supplies and doors from stagnant water.

Policy outcome

• The management of grey water is encompassed in sanitation service provision
• Hygiene education must include the management of grey water
• The minister will provide norms and standards for grey water management

4. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover and Reclamation in the Sanitation Sector

Problem Statement

The concepts of reduction, reuse and recovery in the sanitation sector are not entirely addressed

Policy outcome

• Sanitation provision must emphasise the conservation of water resources and the use of appropriate technologies which are environmentally sustainable
• Sanitation services provision must minimise the overuse, and impacts on natural resources
• where economically viable, and sustainable, the liquid solid and gaseous constituents of wastewater and excreta and products should be used, reused and recycled for further environmental benefits.