Factors influencing the provision of water services at uMhlathuze Local Municipality

Abstract

South African municipalities are mandated with the efficient and effective provision of public services to communities. These services include water and sanitation, electricity and solid waste disposal, among others. Generally, municipalities experience several challenges in the provision of these public services and the consequences include the prevalence of public service delivery protests, which in some cases become violent. This study investigates the factors influencing the provision of water services using a case study of the uMhlathuze Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal. The study uses quantitative data collected from 383 household heads randomly sampled across the uMhlathuze Local Municipality. The principal component analysis technique is used to analyse the survey data and establish the key factors affecting water service provision in the municipality. Findings from the study show that respondents were cognisant of the reality that South Africa is a water-scarce country. However, population growth, unsustainable water management, poor governance and deteriorating water supply infrastructure are among the determinants of water service delivery in the municipality. The study further reports that improving effectiveness in water service delivery may require the municipality to introduce prepaid water meters, conduct consumer education campaigns on water conservation and ensure the constant repair and maintenance of water supply infrastructure. Findings from this study essentially inform water policy making and implementation at the uMhlathuze Local Municipality and in other local municipalities with similar operating environments.