The compliance, monitoring and completeness of sanitation data in some Gauteng Municipalities in relation to Shit Flow Diagram requirements

Abstract

This study investigated the compliance, monitoring and completeness of sanitation data in selected Gauteng Municipalities relative to Shit Flow Diagram (SFD) requirements—a critical tool for comprehensive sanitation service chain analysis. The research addressed data deficiencies that impede effective SFD implementation, a challenge that directly impacts progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6. Through rigorous mixed-methods analysis of Annual Reports, Integrated Development Plans, and Green Drop Reports, supplemented by practitioner surveys, the research revealed profound inconsistencies across municipal data ecosystems. Annual Reports demonstrated striking variations in data quality: Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality achieved 34% compliance, completeness and ac ve monitoring, Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality 33%, and Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality 25%. Integrated Development Plans reflected similar disparities (15-43%), while Green Drop Reports showed consistently inadequate data quality (7%) across all metros. The investigation identified critical systemic weaknesses, particularly in documenting faecal sludge containment, transportation processes, and treatment outcomes. These gaps were exacerbated by non-standardized terminology, fragmented recording systems, and insufficient real-me monitoring protocols. Survey responses from SFD practitioners confirmed these findings, highlighting transportation data as exceptionally problematic, necessitating extensive fieldwork and stakeholder interviews to overcome documentation inadequacies. In response, the study developed a comprehensive framework built on five core principles: data availability, completeness, compliance, ac ve monitoring, and standardization. Applied to Ekurhuleni Municipality, this framework demonstrated practical utility in prioritizing interventions and establishing progressive improvement pathways. By aligning with existing performance monitoring mechanisms like Green Drop certification, the framework creates accountability measures that strengthen reporting consistency while enhancing service delivery outcomes.