Basic service delivery challenges with regards to water and sanitation in Gauteng Province : a case of City of Johannesburg and City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipalities

Abstract

The research study focused on the service delivery challenges regarding water and sanitation in the Gauteng Province. Two metropolitan municipalities including the City of Johannesburg and the City of Tshwane were investigated and used for this research study. The study used a qualitative research design and the methodology includes literature reviews and structured interviews to highlight the challenges from an international, South African, and provincial perspective, particularly in Gauteng. An interview schedule was developed and structured interviews were conducted to collect primary data from the selected participants. Although the literature review conducted indicate that the provision of water and sanitation in the Gauteng Province had improved, significant challenges remain. Areas such as informal settlements are still experiencing shortcomings as compared to the metropolitan areas. Institutional challenges such as a lack of appropriate skills still exist. Other challenges such as poor financial management and non-payment for services by the communities persist. Furthermore, the literature indicates that community protests over basic services occur more in the Gauteng Province than in other provinces. This indicates that the challenges of providing basic services such as water and sanitation are still persistent. To deal with the challenges of providing water and sanitation services, the government and agencies involved in the provision of these services implemented several measures. To alleviate the challenges, not only government help is needed, but also help from other sectors, including non-governmental organisations, agencies, and communities. The findings of this study might assist the municipalities to improve the services through its recommendations. The study is also meant to help public officials and political office bearers to understand the dynamics and challenges they are faced with when carrying out their duties. This study will be used to add to the current literature on the basic service delivery challenges in the Gauteng Province, it will also contribute to academic and government related publications for further references and broadens research on the subject.