Since 1994, National, Provincial and Local Government have injected substantial effort and resources into the development of infrastructure, in pursuit of universal access to municipal service by all citizens.

Numerous National and Provincial support programmes have been implemented. While significant progress is being made in eradication of service delivery backlogs, the reality remains that delivery of services to every household is still only achievable beyond 202. This is not necessarily an indictment of municipalities, who have generally made optimal use of available capital grant funding, but is due to the enormity of the task. The imbalance between backlog eradication targets and available funding remains.

The rate at which service delivery backlogs are being eradicated is continually being constrained by the emergence of “new” backlogs, which are developing as a result of poor operation and inadequate maintenance of existing infrastructure. As examples, water treatment works are being run above design capacity and many water schemes have deteriorated to a state of dysfunctionality.

 
Capital development programmes like the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) and Integrated National Electrification Programme (INEP) cover the capital cost of infrastructure development. These programmes represent a subsidy for poor households, of the infrastructure development cost, from the National fiscus. They do not make provision for operation or, particularly maintenance, of infrastructure.
The rationale is that the sale of the service must generate the revenue to operate and maintain the service. Were there not indigent households, this would be valid and correct. However, because of high numbers of indigence household, municipalities cannot possibly generate sufficient revenue to adequately fund operation and maintenance.

In addition, municipalities are required to provide services for free in terms of Free Basic Services policies. Any revenue is hence first applied to indigent support.

Against the above background, COGTA KZN, backed by a resolution of the Provincial Executive Council, at its August 2018 Lekgotla, secured funding to establish the current state of service delivery. The primary areas of focus were water, sanitation and electricity services.

Hence, in view of the advanced state of universal access planning and the growing risks of “new” backlogs arising from degeneration of existing infrastructure, COGTA KZN elected to apply funding to an assessment of the state of existing infrastructure within the Province.