RETRACTED: Community Participation in Water and Sanitation Service Delivery: An Empirical Case of Mantsopa Municipality, South Africa

Retraction: Volume 1, Issue 6.2 in September 2023

Abstract

Water and sanitation access is recognized to be essential for the development of the South African economy. Despite decades of independence, the participation of citizens in water and sanitation service delivery is still constrained at the local level. This study utilized the qualitative methods approach, including interviews with community representatives and municipal officials, to assess the effects of community participation on water and sanitation services at the Mantsopa Municipality. Participants were chosen based on expertise and experience, while data was analyzed using a thematic approach. The study found that community involvement can lead to improved service delivery and increased resident satisfaction. However, the participants are generally dissatisfied with the quality of water and sanitation services due to delays and inefficient services arising from decades of use of facilities without maintenance. Existing barriers to decision-making include funding, lack of awareness and education about water and sanitation delivery, limited access to information and communication channels, cultural and social norms that discourage participation, and political and economic factors that hinder community involvement. Overcoming these barriers requires a multi-stakeholder approach that involves government agencies, civil society organizations, and local communities working together to promote public participation in water and sanitation delivery. Effective solutions should be tailored to the specific cultural, social, political, and economic factors at play in each context. The municipal authorities should consider redesigning the water supply and sanitation systems to accommodate the growing population while increasing the number of water tanks, and implementing more efficient municipal distribution systems.