When the contract is in place, it is necessary for municipal leaders to manage the contract, and both strategic and practical skills are necessary to perform this role. It is essential to ensure that the contract continues to meet the municipality's needs, and to ensure effective management and supervision of day-to-day matters. Interaction between these levels is critical to the success of effective decision-making.
• The greater the involvement of councillors, and the greater their knowledge of the details of the contract and its problems, the more effective the municipality is as a partner.
• The more comprehensive the understanding of contract options, scope and the potential of private sector involvement, the greater the ability to make strategic decisions.