Assessing inequalities in sustainable access to improved water services using service level indicators in a rural municipality of South Africa

Abstract

Sustainable access to improved water services is a human right recognized by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) agenda and the constitution of South Africa. In recognition of this, South Africa implemented the Free Basic Water (FBW) policy outlining six recommended service level standards (e.g. distance, reliability and cost) to guide improved water services provision, especially in rural municipalities. However, despite implementing the rights-based approach policy, a significant proportion of the rural population is reported to have limited/poor access to improved water services. For this reason, the study adopted the FBW standards as indicators to assess inequalities in sustainable access to improved water services in Makhudutamaga Local Municipality (MLM) in South Africa. The findings indicate inequalities in access to improved water services based on FBW standards. Overall, the improved water services complied with the FBW standard for distance but not with the other standards. The non-compliance with the other standards indicated limited/poor access to improved water services and improper implementation of the FBW policy. This work provides water managers with an understanding of levels of water services provided based on FBW standards for planning and management to improve access to improved water services and enforce proper implementation of the FBW policy.

Local Public Administration in the Process of Implementing Sustainable Development Goals

“…The latter issues can be measured via indicators such as transparency, accountability, participation, and social equity. Sambo et al [82] extended these challenges' scope to include budgetary constraints, which highlight the need for more extensive assessments of water access and quality in social, economic, and environment dimensions. Kanyagui et al [68], in turn, report that little research has been carried out from an international comparative perspective on key water and sanitation indicators, including service provision levels, types of services available, financing, and policy reform.…”