The new name and branding of the new joint water and sanitation local government structure between Emfuleni and Rand Water will only be announced in November this year.

The new structure replaces the old Metsi-a-Lekoa water and sanitation structure of the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM), which has overseen a significant decline and deterioration in water and sanitation services in the region.

Such was the state of sewage pollution in the Vaal River and many suburb and township streets that the National Government was forced to bring in the army and other organisations in an attempt to mitigate the situation.

Eventually it was decided to set up a Special Purpose Vehicle between ELM and Rand Water and completely disband Metsi-a-Lekoa and to incorporate all its personnel into the SPV.

The SPV will have its own top structure and will be charged with managing all aspects of the water and sanitation sphere in Emfuleni.

This would include revenue management and infrastructure management of the aging water and sanitation network and sewage works.

This echoes a similar deal made between ELM and Eskom, in which Eskom was appointed as the ELM agent to manage all aspects of electricity including revenue management and generation.