COVID-19 and water delivery challenges in the rural society of Driekoppies in Mpumalanga

Abstract

Rural areas face greater challenges regarding water supply and sanitation because of the settlements' predominately environmentally vulnerable locations, diverse cultural development models, precarious economic conditions, and associated difficulties with cost recovery. Dispersed settlements, an agro-based economy, and scarce water supplies frequently hamper infrastructure provision. This study aims to explore water delivery challenges in the rural society of Driekoppies during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping inform future water provision efforts during pandemics. Guided by an epistemological position, the study is designed as a single-site and an in-depth inquiry grounded on people's lived realities and experiences. The methodology adopted for the dissertation was a qualitative research approach. Data was collected from the Driekoppies community in Khomanzi District in Mpumalanga using interviews, observation, and secondary data. It used purposive sampling for the four key informants who participated in the study such as an official from the Department of Water Affairs, the head of water and sanitation, an official from the water demand section and the last official was from the water quality section, whilst twelve participants from the study area were used to collect data. Out of the twelve participants, four were male while eight were female.

The study found that water shortages in Driekoppies are because of ‘construction mafias’, which are groups that disrupt water projects by demanding jobs or fees that delay progress and leave infrastructure incomplete. Additionally, water challenges in the community result from ageing water infrastructure and climate change phenomena causing frequent draughts. To address these challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government of South Africa came up with intervention strategies such as drilling boreholes and setting up water tanks that would be filled by water tankers for citizens to access water. However, some of the infrastructure that was set up was vandalised during the COVID-19 period. The research also found that households in Driekoppies view rainwater harvesting and providing informal settlements with water infrastructure as some of the sustainable solutions to the water challenges that they face. Churches, NGOs, and the private sector were some non-state actors who helped with water provision to the community of Driekoppies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The study concludes that the water supply situation in Driekoppies is not just a concern, but a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. The current state of inadequate water supply for households in Driekoppies is far from ideal for curbing the devastating impact of COVID-19. The government of South Africa and its development partners should urgently work on a permanent solution to address the water challenges in the study area, as only a sustained effort can ensure a lasting impact. The study recommends that policymakers emphasise that municipalities form public-private partnership (PPP) arrangements which will help create synergy and share risks and rewards between the public and private sectors.