Challenges during installation and maintenance of water delivery infrastructure: a citizen perspective

Matlou Lesley Mokgobu, Roger B Mason and Thomas Dobbelstein
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Matlou Lesley Mokgobu: Durban University of Technology
Roger B Mason: Durban University of Technology
Thomas Dobbelstein: Durban University of Technology

International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), 2023, vol. 12, issue 7, 427-442

Abstract: The installation and maintenance of water infrastructure in South African cities poses a challenge to communities, municipalities, and installation contractors, who face problems such as inadequate access to homes, traffic jams, inadequately barricaded trenches, leaking water pipes, water supply cut-offs, vandalism, and theft of water. The research problem, therefore, involves an inadequate understanding of what drives these problems and how to mitigate them through better management. The aim of this study was to investigate the challenges of managing water infrastructure as perceived by the citizens of a South African municipality. The study was a descriptive and cross-sectional survey, with data collected, via a literature derived, emailed questionnaire, from a self-selected non-probability sample of 402 City of Tshwane residents. Analysis, via SPSS Version 27, used descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that both the municipality and the contractors contributed to the challenges experienced by citizens, with maintenance challenges being more serious than installation challenges. Municipal and political challenges were the main drivers, with political ownership of construction companies and political interference being the biggest problems. The findings contributed to a better understanding of the challenges inhibiting effective installation and maintenance of water infrastructure, and are important to the municipality, and the community at large, because they contribute to a better understanding of service delivery from the citizens’ perspectives. Key Words:Management, water infrastructure, water security, maintenance, installation, municipality

Date: 2023
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