Many municipalities face capacity constraints; their key staff are not able to manage the whole partnership process in terms of commercial planning, monitoring and technical support. Such municipalities may find it necessary to increase the capacity of certain staff to ensure sufficient capability to oversee the partnership. At the same time, it may be important to find mechanisms to fill vacancies in key areas that concern the formulation, negotiation, management and monitoring of partnerships. While this may not be possible in all municipalities, it is important to recognise that it is necessary to create an even playing field between the municipal and private sector partners, and ultimately this can lead to more strategic appointments.