CASE STUDY #013
INTERNAL PROJECT SHOWCASE
Provision of water and sanitation and improved
access to municipal services to backyard dwellers
IDP LINKAGES
Caring city
Inclusive city
Safe city
The Integrated
Development Plan (IDP) is
a plan for how the City
will prioritise its budget
spending over a five-year
cycle. The IDP is agreed
between local government
and residents, and is
SUMMARY
adjusted to accommodate
The provision of water and sanitation services to backyard dwellers programmes provide these essential
services to backyard dwellers living on City rental property. The projects align with World Design Capital
goals by complying with the right of access to basic services (water and sanitation) for every resident,
enhancing safety and security, and promoting the efficient use of water and protection of the environment.
changing needs.
BACKGROUND
The city owns 42 000 rental residential properties, with up to 90% having backyard dwellers. Previously
backyard dwellers were not recognised as consumers and did not have access to basic water and
sanitation services. The City has now recognised the need for service provision to these residents and
launched two projects to provide water and sanitation services to backyard dwellers. Basically these
projects entail the provision of a concrete structure housing a flush toilet and with an external tap and
wash trough. These projects are the first of their kind in the country.
Everyone has the right to basic services. However, the provision of water and sanitation services in an
equitable manner must also seek to conserve limited water resources for future generations.
The programme helps to protect the environment by reducing the flow of sewage into stormwater drains
and rivers, and enhances the health and safety of residents who live near stormwater drains and rivers.
The pilot project took place at Factreton, and has been completed. The second pilot is at Hanover Park
and is in the implementation phase. The third site is in Langa, and as of the end of 2013 the project was in
the public participation phase.
ENABLERS
Utility Services
Directorate
Human Settlements
Directorate
City Health Directorate
This case study describes one of the City of Cape Town’s innovative projects that demonstrates how the
City applies design-led thinking to support City strategies and goals and help to improve the lives of
residents. For more, scan the QR code alongside or see www.capetown.gov.za/WDC2014/
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#013: PROVISION OF WATER AND SANITATION AND IMPROVED SERVICES TO BACKYARD DWELLERS
By providing water and sanitation services and improved access to municipal services to backyard
dwellers, the City of Cape Town is complying with statutory requirements.
The estimated budget for the provision of water and sanitation services to backyard dwellers is R26
million. The programme’s completion date is not yet determinable.
The stakeholders involved in these projects are the Human Settlements Directorate, the Water and
Sanitation Department, City Health and the consumers.
DESIGN THINKING
Design-led thinking is a
INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN LINKAGES
CARING CITY: Residents most in need are now receiving basic services.
INCLUSIVE CITY: Backyard dwellers were offered an extensive say in how they wanted these services
provided.
SAFE CITY: Backyard dwellers no longer have to leave safe spaces to use toilets and collect water.
collaborative and usercentric process through
which challenges are
identified and creatively
addressed to deliver
innovative and relevant
HOW HAS DESIGN BEEN USED?
Of the key tools which support design-led thinking in project conception, creation and implementation, the
following are fundamental to the success of this project:
+ DREAM TEAM: A multi-disciplinary team comprising Human Settlements, City Health and the community enhanced the project implementation and outcomes.
+ CONSULTATION/COMMUNICATION: A consultative process was applied through community engagement and participation. This tool has contributed significantly to the success of this project, as it
revealed community expectations which differed from what the project managers had in mind.
+ EVOLUTIONARY APPROACH: The programme followed a classic evolutionary approach, as the City
learned and evolved. These projects were characterised by pilot projects with different approaches. The
pilot concept allowed for learning experiences which provided valuable insight before the implementation of the second phase.
+ QUICK DELIVERY: The quick delivery tool was applied in this project through the use of careful predesign to avoid wasteful expenditure. This pre-design took place between extensive public participation and implementation.
+ EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT TEAM: The Executive Management Team tool was applied and was coordinated between councillors, community leaders and officials. However, these functions are largely
applied when projects are initiated.
+ BIG THINKING, LOCALISED IMPACT: These projects demonstrated new and innovative service provision by directly aligning with community needs. There were, however, statutory constraints that had to
be overcome.
+ COMMUNITY AT THE CENTRE, CREATIVITY ON THE FRINGE: These projects responded to the
community’s needs. This tool helped show that community perceptions were different to, and often
times far removed from, service parameters. This was corrected by extensive group and individual interaction. The success is evident in the high levels of service satisfaction.
solutions. With the
responsibilities placed on a
city administration, the
core driver for embracing
design-led thinking is the
improvement of the
quality of life of citizens,
the ethos that underpins
the World Design Capital
programme.
DESIGN TOOLS
For an explanation of the
key constructs which
support design-led
thinking in project
conception, design and
implementation,see
the Toolbox.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Contact Walter Rulser: walter.rulser@capetown.gov.za
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