CST POLICY BRIEF: Framework for resilient essential services

Author(s): Van der Merwe, L., Biggs, R., and Preiser, R.
Link to CST author(s): Prof. Reinette (Oonsie) Biggs, Prof. Rika Preiser
Publication: CST Policy Brief
Year: 2019
Full reference: Van der Merwe, L., Biggs, R., and Preiser, R. 2019. Framework for Resilient Essential Services. Centre for Complex Systems in Transition, University of Stellenbosch.
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Summary

Essential services, like water and electricity, underpin modern life. Disruption in service delivery exposes critical inter-dependency, ranging from community level to the national economy. Therefore essential service providers, such as energy utilities, have a duty of care to ensure resilient service delivery. Resilience is the ability of people, institutions and systems to adapt, survive, and thrive despite acute shocks or chronic stresses. Policy can promote pre-emptive and holistic resilience practices among essential service providers.