 | Community engagement in drinking water supply management: a review |
| Expanded Title: | This study provides the necessary background information on community engagement in drinking water services delivery and the role of ICTs in incentivising public participation. This study is based on the notion that an increase in community engagement – particularly in rural areas – would result in an increased understanding of the current shortcomings of drinking water supplies, an increased understanding of the communication challenges between communities, Water Service Authorities (WSA) and Water Service Providers (WSP) as well as an improved experience of greater transparency and accountability for all stakeholders. An analysis of the current status of water service delivery in South Africa is presented and discrepancies between rural and urban municipalities, overall growth in service delivery and supply management and water quality are discussed. In addition, an overview of the many ways in which communities engage with governance is provided in the second section. In the next section, a thorough investigation into national and international trends, as an initial assessment of how governments incentivise communities and public stakeholders in contributing to governance and resource management is presented. Under this section, a comprehensive analysis of the local governance structures and government policies on community engagement, public participation and community managed supplies, as well as some of the South African specific challenges to service delivery and community engagement is also presented. Lastly, the role of ICTs in the context of public engagement and governance, and key lessons thereof are reviewed. In addition, an analysis of the current understanding and best practises of incentivising communities is discussed. |
| Date Published: | 01/02/2014 |
| Document Type: | Research Report |
| Document Subjects: | Drinking water - Water supply, Wastewater Management - Domestic |
| Document Keywords: | Guidelines, Society, Water Quality |
| Document Format: | Report |
| Document File Type: | pdf |
| Research Report Type: | Technical |
| WRC Report No: | TT 583/13 |
| ISBN No: | 978-1-4312-0506-8 |
| Authors: | Rivett U; Taylor D; Chair C; Forlee B; Mrwebi M; van Belle J-P; Chigona W |
| Project No: | K5/2114 |
| Originator: | WRC |
| Organizations: | Water Research Commision funded Consultancy; University of Cape Town |
| Document Size: | 641 KB |
|