top of page

You are here: Home  

/  News

Research | Sustainability of drinking water and sanitation delivery systems in rural communities

Updated: Jun 5



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.


Keywords: Sustainability · Drinking water · Basic sanitation · Rural communities · Lepelle Nkumpi Local Municipality · South Africa


Citation: Bazaanah, P., and Mothapo, R.A. (2023). Sustainability of drinking water and sanitation delivery systems in rural communities of the Lepelle Nkumpi Local Municipality, South Africa. Environment, Development and Sustainability, Springer.


OPEN ACCESS


Image by Justin Hu

FUTURE AFRICA

RESEARCH LEADERSHIP FELLOWSHIP

The Future Africa Research Leadership Fellowship (FAR-LeaF) is an early career research fellowship program focused on developing transdisciplinary research and leadership skills.

pattern banner_edited.jpg

The programme seeks to build a network of emerging African scientists who have the skills to apply transdisciplinary approaches and to collaborate to address complex challenges in the human well-being and environment nexus in Africa.

bottom of page