Abstract
Implementation of a GIS Clearinghouse for Municipal Water Services Track: System Implementation for GIS Author(s): Chris Carter The National Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) in South Africa has developed a strategy to devolve the responsibility to supply water and sanitation services to Local Municipalities (LMs). All water and sanitation assets owned by the National Department are transferred to LMs. There are several problems which affect the implementation of this strategy including extremely poor information pertaining to where these water and sanitation services are, a culture of nonpayment of services by communities, and limited technical and human resources at LMs. This paper will present a GIS model that innovatively addresses the practical problems listed above and effectively empowers LMs to manage and expand their water and sanitation services. The model combines high end Esri GIS technology with GPS technology, data management processes, innovative database design, local skills empowerment, and the re-engineering of data maintenance processes. Keeping GIS simple to the users has been the key. Chris Carter MHP GeoSpace P O Box 400 Westville , null 3630 ZA Phone: +27 31 266 9316 Fax: +27 31 266 9366 E-mail: carterc@mhpgeospace.co.za |
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