The Master Plan, which is driven by a sense of urgency, is a vital tool for the entire South African water sector in that it strives to improve integrated planning and development across the value chain, as well as address issues relating to the water and sanitation needs of the country. Furthermore, it also strives to create the conditions that can accelerate change. Despite the successes achieved since 1994 with the provision of services to those South Africans previously denied these services, we still have significant and unacceptable levels of poverty and inequality.