Status of infrastructure in the province . There are 14 water services authorities in the province and sanitation forms part of the cycle. The progress towards adequate sanitation has been very slow and the province will not be able to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in this regard. . The total number of households amount to 2,6 million with 10,6 million people. . The sanitation backlog in the province is 21%, which constitutes 527 000 households in need of adequate sanitation. . The water backlog amounts to 394 000 households. . The quality of tap water is good, with only 14% not at acceptable quality standards. . Infrastructure development is costly due to the topography and dispersed rural settlements. It currently costs the province R18 000 per household to connect water pipes. However, the cost varies depending on the slope on which the house is situated. In some areas a water connection costs up to R42 000 per household. . About 42% of water is not adequately treated, since treatment plants are decaying. The province spent more on water purification, and there was a need to invest and build more treatment plants.