Determinants of water service delivery challenges at the Harry Gwala District Municipality

Abstract

Water service provision in South Africa is under the jurisdiction of the municipalities. However, most South African municipalities battle various water supply challenges. These challenges have far-reaching consequences on both society and the economy. This study examines the determinants of water service delivery challenges in the Harry Gwala District Municipality. The study adopts a mixed-method approach using quantitative data collected from 412 households and qualitative data collected from 15 employees at the municipality’s Water Services Department. The principal component factor technique is used to analyse the quantitative data, while a thematic approach is adopted to analyse the qualitative data. Results from the quantitative and qualitative components of the study are subsequently triangulated. In doing this, the study establishes the key determinants of water service delivery challenges in the municipalities. The main implication of this study is that its results provide a basis for the development of an evidence-based water policymaking in the selected municipality