'Investigating water supply challenges in the Elias Motsoaledi Municipality of Limpopo Province, South Africa : a case of Motetema Settlement

Abstract

PURPOSE : The study discussed water supply challenges in rural South Africa and evaluated community perceptions of the municipal capacity. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : Municipal planning documents described the targeted study area. Questionnaires by 98 randomly selected community respondents profiled the respondents and evaluated several aspects of water delivery in the community. FINDINGS : The results reveal several operational challenges. Water delivery was sporadic and unreliable, the water quality was poor and the breakdowns response time was unacceptable. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS : The causes of the water delivery problems were not investigated. The study suggested solutions and was restricted to one municipal area only. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS : The local municipality should response should focus on quality control, monitoring, training, funding and capacity building of their service delivery function. More efficient communication with the community is required. WHAT IS ORIGINAL/VALUE OF THE PAPER : Several water service delivery challenges were revealed and will be of value to the municipality to mobilise, plan and structure a proper response to challenges.