Abstract
<span lang="EN-US">Challenges of water supply in informal settlements have been observed in different parts of the world. This study evaluates accessibility to water in the Kuvukiland informal settlement. The study employed two methods</span><span lang="EN-ZA">:</span><span lang="EN-US"> a semi structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data from 50 respondents in the Kuvukiland informal settlement, and the in-depth interviews were carried out with five key informants. The findings suggest that access to water in informal settlements is a challenge, because more than half of the population in Kuvukiland live more than a kilometre from the water points. Further findings also show that affordability is a critical issue, because the more than half of the population are unemployed, and as a result they cannot afford to pay for water. Finally the findings are that, water supply in Kuvukiland does not follow an integrated water resource management approach. In addition, there is poor community involvement, and stakeholder participation is weak.</span>
Highlights
Within today’s paradigm of integrated water resource management, the management of water resources is seen as a process that aims at coordinated development and management of water and other natural resources (Global Water Partnership [GWP], 2009)
The findings suggest that access to water in informal settlements is a challenge, because more than half of the population in Kuvukiland live more than a kilometre from the water points
The study concludes that water supply in informal settlements is characterised by challenges of access to water, distance to water points, and availability and affordability of water to the resident communities
Summary
Within today’s paradigm of integrated water resource management, the management of water resources is seen as a process that aims at coordinated development and management of water and other natural resources (Global Water Partnership [GWP], 2009). The meaning of these words is reflected in the harsh realities faced by water users in drought-prone regions throughout the world. Bouwer (2000) argues that the global renewable water supply available is about 7,000 cubic meters per person per year, which means that there is enough water for at least three times the present world population. The distribution, occurrence and availability of water resources are uneven in the region as well as in the individual countries because availability depends on rainfall (SADC, 1996)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
