An exploration of the water crisis in Tswaing Local Municipality South Africa : a study of Khunwana village

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the extent of the water crisis in Tswaing Local Municipality with specific reference to Khunwana village. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five officials from administrative and technical departments of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality and Tswaing Local Municipality, elected local government officials, rate payers’ association and Khunwana traditional authority who were purposively selected. Twenty community members responded to a researcher administered questionnaire with open ended questions. Following a thematic analysis, key findings reveal that the available water sources in Khunwana village are unable to meet community’s needs. The unavailability of funds and failure to collect revenue have made it difficult for municipal authorities to maintain infrastructure. This was worsened by illegal connections which the local municipal authority failed to address. The lack of role clarity between the two local government authorities and what seems to be a neglect of constitutional mandate worsened the community’s inability to enjoy its right to a basic need. To try and close this gap, the municipal authorities provided the community with water tanks which must be refilled by a water truck on a regular basis. However, due to financial challenges, this is not being fulfilled. Due to being dissatisfied with the municipal services, community members came up with their own strategies some of which are unfortunately not always hygienic. A taxpayers’ union was also established to put together resources to keep water provision and sanitation systems alive. The study, therefore, recommends that the municipal authorities must adopt a standardised monitoring and maintenance infrastructure plan, review the service level agreement, continuously train municipal personnel, encourage a culture of payment for services rendered, increase the number of tanks in Khunwana village and employ a consumer management officer who can attend to consumer queries. These will assist them to carry out the local government’s constitutional mandate while the community enjoys its right.