ABSTRACT
This chapter describes Umgeni Water's response to this challenge with respect to reducing water and sanitation backlogs in rural areas within KwaZulu-Natal. It focuses on the task of delivery of infrastructure, but also provides comment on interrelated aspects such as the sustainable provision of water services at the household level, integration of water, sanitation, health and hygiene awareness issues, and increasing the role of community management. During the late 1980s, Umgeni Water undertook to provide basic water services to rural communities under its 'Rural Areas Water and Sanitation Plan' as part of its social responsibility. There is no doubt that South Africa has undergone major changes in a number of areas since its first democratic election in 1994. Water Services Authorities may choose to implement their own projects or appoint water boards, non-governmental organisations or private-sector companies as implementing agents.
