In recognition of the plight of the many people without services in rural areas, the Department of Water Affairs initiated in 2012, the Interim/Intermediate Water Supply Programme (IIWSP). The intention of the programme is to focus on the 24 District Municipalities with the highest backlogs and thereafter merge with the existing initiative to address 2014 water backlogs. The programme would facilitate solutions and where possible, provide direct support and funding to areas that are not covered by existing projects within the Bulk Infrastructure Grant or the Municipal Infrastructure Grant.