Water governance challenges for rural supply: A case study of two local municipalities in South Africa

Abstract

In South Africa water is regarded as constitutional right and government has therefore put measures in place to ensure that everyone has access to at least a basic level of water service. In terms of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of achieving universal access to clean water, South Africa has already made considerable progress. However, recent reports have showed that a large portion of the population, such as those living in informal settlements, are still stuck at the bottom of the ‘water ladder’ with only rudimentary water services and no progressive realisation of water related rights. These shortcomings are mainly due to poor water governance systems that have been put in place. Water governance systems have had a critical role in enabling or hindering the process of water service provision in the country.