Over the past four years the Department of Water Affairs have been measuring and monitoring the overall performance of water services authorities through the Regulatory Performance Measurement System (RPMS) and drinking water quality through the Blue/Green Drop Certification Programmes. The RPMS is the tool to assist the DWA to consistently, transparently, and objectively measure performance in the sector. In 2011, the DWA began a process of alignment with the Blue Drop/ Green Drop Certification, through the combined Water Services Audits. Benefits of this alignment were noted and a move to full alignment is in process.

There have been significant development and improvements in the RPMS since its inception, but there have also been significant challenges in achieving the goal of effective measurement of performance due to lack of reliable data at many WSAs. Thus, a new approach is required, moving forward from the lessons of the RPMS and those of Blue and Green Drop. This approach; implemented through a risk assessment framework aims to still record performance against indicators, whilst interrogating the systems and processes behind them

go back