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A total of 162 municipalities and 914 water supply systems were assessed in 2011 by the Department of Water Affairs, compared to 153 municipalities and 787 systems in 2010. The marked improvement in submission of performance portfolios by municipalities affirms the commitment by municipal management to raise their service standard and performance.

The excellent performers increased from 38 Blue Drop awards in 2010 to 66 in 2011, with Western Cape producing the highest number of Blue Drop systems. Bitou Municipality climbed many hills since the 1st Blue Drop results were announced in 2009, indicating that a steep climb is indeed required to raise the standard of drinking water quality.

Plettenberg Bay water purification works received Platinum Status, which is the highest award in the Blue Drop. Kurland water purifications works received Silver Status Blue Drop award, Natures Valley Water Purification works received Silver Drop awards, Gansevallei Sewer Works Received Green Drop Excellence awards and Kurland sewer Works received Green Drop excellence award.

Bitou is in the top 10 in South Africa for the Blue Drop, 2nd in the Top 10 in South Africa for the Green Drop and Best provincial Performer. Bitou scored 96% in the Blue Drop certificate and 95% in the Green Drop certificate.

The Department’s Green Drop assessment team was left highly impressed by the performance of Bitou Local Municipality. The municipal team’s enthusiasm, dedications, record-keeping and eagerness to learn counted amongst the commendable attributes of this successful outfit. In spite of Blue Drop criteria becoming increasingly implementation-focused, Bitou Local Municipality once again impressed with a phenomenal performance, justifying the allocation of the prestigious for the 3 systems.

The Department of Water Affairs is confident that Bitou Local Municipality, as water services institution is capable of sustaining safe quality of water supply.

Well-done Bitou
Communications Office