Sustainability of drinking water and sanitation delivery systems in rural communities of the Lepelle Nkumpi Local Municipality, South Africa

Abstract

Water and sanitation are core for the growth and development of communities. Yet, South African local municipalities are often unable to sustainably deliver safe water and basic sanitation for all. Drawing on perspectives of ecological economics, this study analysed the sustainability of water and sanitation systems in rural communities of the Lepelle Nkumpi Local Municipality. Mixed research approach was used to collect the data from 657 household and institutional respondents. The study found that households used water for multi-purposes including consumptive, productive and domestic, but existing facilities are in deplorable condition. Pollution arising from agrochemicals, waste systems, mining, sewerage, and industrial effluence significantly affected water systems in the communities. Bridging demand–supply gaps require initiatives like bulk water supply and implementation of the free basic water policy in underprivileged areas. Tariffs should either be waived or adjusted for extremely poor households. Waste management initiatives, like capacity building, public education, investments, and facility upgrade, could help avert spread of waterborne infections and improve the resident’s health.

Gendered Disparities in Water and Sanitation through an Intersectional Lens: Emphasising Women’s Perspectives

“…This creates hardship and tiredness in their everyday lives, especially when it comes to accessing toilets and fetching water. The availability of improved WASH infrastructure relies on elements of social arrangements, reliability, and economic aspects (Bazaanah and Mothapo, 2023)). Further, these elements are linked to the complex intersection of socioeconomic factors, roles and inadequate infrastructure, which contributes to challenging conditions for women.…”