Factors contributing to sustainable water supply at uMhlathuze Local Municipality research report
The present study focuses on the factors contributing to sustainable water supply at uMhlathuze Local Municipality. The shortage of water has a negative impact in gardening, which affects most of rural areas that are more dependent on subsistence farming to secure food. The study questions how to rural people at uMhlathuze Local Municipality generates their livelihood if the water is poorly supplied. Hence, this puts lives of citizens at risk. It is for that reason; the present study focuses on determining factors contributing to water supplies in uMhlathuze Local Municipality. The study used explorative research design which linked with qualitative method. Semi-structured interview was considered for data collection. Regarding sampling method, the study used a purposive sampling, which helped the researcher to obtain data from relevant participants. Relating to findings of the study, factors contributing to sustainable water supply at uMhlathuze local municipality were determined by the study objectives and the research findings. The study shows that the municipality supplies water through water pipes and water tankers. However, there are still communities that are without water and some villages get water for a short time and leaves again while there is no meeting or announcement made regarding that problem. Moreover, the other factor is an insufficient budget which challenges the municipality to be unable to implement new projects to help deal with the backlog. The study also indicated that the municipality does send a truck of water to supply water in some areas; however, the drivers are selling water that was meant to be supplied for free. There is also illegal connection of pipes which makes the distribution of water be difficult in those areas. The findings of the study also show that there are reservoirs built to provide water in the communities within the municipality but cannot be relied upon. Therefore, the study recommends that uMhlathuze Local Municipality should have a proper way to monitor the illegal connection of water pipes in the municipality and have a framework that guide the water truck to deliver water without demanding incentives. The study further suggest that the municipality should learn and train its officials to use it finances equally to ensure that water is allocated to all the households and fund-raise money to ensure sustainability of their projects.
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