View of The role of multiple-stakeholder engagement in water security in Shakadza community, Limpopo Province, South Africa

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A new decade

for social changes

ISSN 2668-7798

Vol. 25, 2021

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The role of multiple-stakeholder engagement in water security in Shakadza community, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Sejabaledi A. Rankoana

University of Limpopo; Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa

[email protected]

Abstract. Shakadza community falls within one of the areas experiencing intermittent drought in Limpopo Province, South Africa where about 300 households depend on a common groundwater resource that rests on rainfall for recharge. An exploratory study was conducted in this community to examine the roles of different stakeholders to ensure daily water supply. Data collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions show that unpredictable rainfall has led to inconsistent water supply from the main groundwater resource in the community. However, a regular supply of water for household consumption is satisfied through a multi-stakeholder intervention in which the municipality provides daily water supply to the community, the pump operators monitor the reservoir levels while the water committee monitors the use of stand-pipes. In this way, government officials as the water authorities, the water committee and pump operators as the community water resource managers, play joint roles to ensure reliable water supply in the community. Therefore, the multi-stakeholder roles include daily delivery of water to the reservoir, consistent check of the reservoir water level, monitoring of the water uses, prevention of tap leakages, barring of livestock drinking and washing from the taps, and water connections for gardening. These stakeholders manage water supply with different, and sometimes complementary roles and objectives. The water resource management practices can be recommended to add value to the climate change adaptation efforts to sustain water provision in the Limpopo Province. This type of a community-based intervention could be used as an essential element in climate adaptation practices to sustain the livelihood of communities negatively impacted by climate change.

Keywords. Climate change; drought; groundwater resource; water security; multi-stakeholder collaboration

1. Introduction

South Africa faces administrative and capacity constraints to improve water supply systems. Given the increasing water demand and the stress of climate change, the best practice- based water resources management are not yet fully put in place to address water insecurity (Department of Water Affairs [DAW], 2013). The motivation for the present study is derived from the observations of increase in the incidence of drought and erratic rainfall impact on the South African groundwater resources (Schultze, 2011). Drought accelerates the depletion of freshwater resources that support humans and ecosystem services (Sonnkus et al., 2015). Erratic rainfall exacerbates household water insecurity as a result of reduced precipitation and a series Technium Social Sciences Journal Vol. 25, 774-782, November, 2021 ISSN: 2668-7798 www.techniumscience.com

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of the hottest years on record (Bates et al., 2008). In South Africa, the lower mean annual rainfall may result in lower soil moisture contents and reduced rainfall in excess of 20 mm per day in reduced runoff (DWA, 2013), and the yields of local water resources by 10%.

Hagemann, et al. (2013) add that climate change is expected to alter the water cycle and will subsequently impact water availability and demand. Substantial less rain (International Panel on Climate Change [IPCC], 2007; Lunduka, 2013). coupled with increased temperatures and increasing demand for fresh water from rapidly growing populations, may escalate the challenge of water insecurity. For Clifton et al. (2010), the critical threats are reduced groundwater recharge and increased demand.

Climate change is responsible for water insecurity in most parts of South Africa’s rural communities (DWA,2013). Schulze (2011) submits that this situation can best be addressed through collaboration and communication between multiple actors to support the development of solutions and plans to ensure water availability and accessibility. This assertion is supported by Harman et al. (2015) that drought stricken areas have attracted the formation and implementation of partnerships, with collaborative organizations for supporting climate mitigation, adaptation and disaster resilience. Disaster risk reduction practices are usually multi- spectral, inclusive and accessible in order to be efficient and effective (The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction [UNISDR], 2015). Schulze (2011) adds that one of the key elements of responding to climate change is ensuring that the institutions responsible for water management and governance are able to initiate adaptation measures timeously and effectively to cope with changing climatic conditions. This requires that the policy and legislation support adaptive approaches and management institutions should be designed to operate as adaptive learning institutions (DWA, 2013). To this submission, Carmin et al. (2015) identified the importance of stakeholder engagement partnerships and collaborations as relevant and important institutions to be applied to decrease risks to water shortage. Schipani (2010) expects that as the principal stakeholders such as government departments are aware of the trends of climate change and its impacts on water resources, they should change their views, expectations and demands in relation to water service delivery. Usually government operates through engagement of local communities to ensure multiple-stakeholder roles that motivate community participation to achieve a sustained livelihood (Harman et al., 2015). Collaboration with the local community; in this case beneficiaries to water resources in the operation and maintenance of water resources is expected to yield remarkable adaptation practices to water security (Braimah et al., 2016). A multi-stakeholder collaboration results when community members are engaged in the management and operation of the water resources (Selvo, 2010). Partnerships and collaboration are essential adaptation practices that enforce community participation for a sustainable livelihood in the era of climate change (Dyer et al., 2013).

The present study explored the role of multiple-stakeholder engagement in the management of groundwater resources to ensure regular water supply in Shakadza community in Limpopo Province, South Africa, under observable impacts of drought on the groundwater resource. The main objectives were to examine the different management strategies used to maintain consistent water supply, and describe the levels of stakeholder engagement to ensure regular water supply. An exploration of multi-stakeholder efforts was relevant to address the challenges brought about by climate change as the impacts of climate change are felt by society as whole. As a result, decisions to adjust to the impacts of climate change on water resources, would require community participation. The present study adds value to the South Africa’s Long Term Adaptation Scenarios (LTAS) suggestion for the development of an approach that will be helpful in water resource planning nationally, provincially and at municipal level. The Technium Social Sciences Journal Vol. 25, 774-782, November, 2021 ISSN: 2668-7798 www.techniumscience.com

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study provides a set of roles played by the provincial authorities and the community to address the challenge of water insecurity.

2. Methods

2.1 Location

Musina Local Municipality falls within the Vhembe District Municipality, which is made up of four local municipalities, namely Musina, Makhado, Thulamela and Collins Chabane. Musina Local Municipality is bounded by Makhado Local Municipality to the South, and in the South West by the Local Municipality of Blouberg which falls within the Capricorn District Municipality. Musina Local Municipality is located in the North of the Limpopo Province, bordering Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique in the East. The municipality covers an area of approximately 1 129 740.773 hectares, 11 297.41 km² with the coordinates 23° 20´ 17´´ S 30° 02´ 30´´ E that extends from the confluence of the Mogalakwena and Limpopo Rivers in the West to the confluence of the Nwanedi and Limpopo Rivers in the East and from Tshipise and Mopane in the South to Botswana and Zimbabwe borders in the North and Mozambique in the eastern side of Kruger National Park (Musina Local Municipality Integrated Plan [IDP], 2021-2022).

Musina Local Municipality falls within the tropical region in the northern part of Limpopo. The region experiences a hot semi-arid climate. In terms of rainfall. Musina normally receives about 350 mm of rain per year, with most of the rain occurring during mid-summer.

However, the area receives the lowest rainfall (0 mm) in June and the highest (55 mm) in January. Evaporation from free water surfaces is in excess of 2,500 mm per year, and summer temperatures sometimes rise to 45 °C. The winters are generally mild, although frost may occur (South African National Parks, 2013). The municipal area consists mainly of commercial farms and communal rural settlement. The rural settlements tend to be a clustered nature and sparsely distributed outside of the Eastern part of the municipality. The bulk of land is used for agricultural purposes ranging from cattle farming, arable and game farming. The urban settlements only constitute up to 0.08% of land cover (South African National Parks, 2013).

Due to the new demarcation of municipalities, Musina Local Municipality is affected and almost 5 wards are shared from the disestablished Mutale Local Municipality, the community of Shakadza was formerly placed within Mutale Local Municipality, and now falls within Musina Local Municipality. The community is located in the south-east of Musina Town, some 1.5 km wide between parallel outcrops of Soutpansberg Series Quartzites forming hills 700-800masl high. The community is connected by a dirt track to the recently tarred Muswodi to Thengwe Valley road. Shakadza is a small service centre with a large clinic, store and a school. Cultivation of rain-fed crops, service centre employment, and cattle and other livestock rearing are the most socio-economic practices (Musina Local Municipality Integrated Plan [IPD], 2021-2022). Households in Shakadza community mostly stay in formal dwellings. The households rely on municipality for water supply with no water vendors. This shows that majority of household rely on the municipality as the main source of drinking water. Water supply interruption is a major livelihood threat as it compromises the wellbeing and health of the community (British Geological Survey et al., 2010).

2.2 Study design

A qualitative study was conducted to examine the roles of stakeholder engagement and contribution to maintain regular water provision in a rural community challenged by frequent water supply interruptions.

Technium Social Sciences Journal Vol. 25, 774-782, November, 2021 ISSN: 2668-7798 www.techniumscience.com

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2.3 Participants

Purposive sampling was used to make up a sample of stakeholders responsible for water service delivery and maintenance of the water resources in the community. The stakeholders were mapped through general consultations with the community authorities, and during a community general meeting. The stakeholders were identified as the pump operators, water committee members and government officials. Of the stakeholders, six were the members of Shakadza Community Water Committee, two pump operators, and three government officials responsible for water services delivery in the former Mutale Local Municipality, now Musina Local Municipality.

Table 1: Study Sample Composition

Stakeholders Gender Qualification Number

Pump operator Males Grades 10 and

12

2 Water

committee

3 Males, 3 Females

Grades 8, 10 and 12

6 Government

Officials

3 Males Grades 10 and 12

3

Total Sample Size 11 Participants

2.4 Data collection and analysis

Primary data were collected from the stakeholders by enquiring about the status of the ground water resources, water supply and their roles to ensure consistent water supply to the community. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with individual stakeholders, and focus group discussions with the three groups of stakeholders. Content analysis was used to generate data. Field notes and tape-recorded information were transcribed.

Transcription of data was followed by reading through the transcripts and developing themes such as the current status of groundwater resources, stakeholders’ roles in water security, and groundwater resources management practices. All the stakeholders consented to participate in the study. Credibility and dependability of collected data were obtained during three follow up meetings with the stakeholders.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1 Status of the community groundwater resources

An important observation during the study was that Vhembe District municipality was a water authority and a provider. The role of Musina Local Municipality was reticulation of the water to households through the household water tap connections and stand pipes supplied by the borehole system. The municipality supplied its water through two methods, namely household water taps connections and stand pipes, and households water tap connections were utilized in Musina and Nancefield whereas stand pipe supply in the villages respectively (Musina Local Municipality Integrated Plan [IDP], 2021-2022).

The main source of water in Shakadza community was the borehole, which broke very often. The borehole was the main water supply to the community for domestic purposes such as drinking, cooking and washing. The water supply in the community was inadequate. The borehole showed noticeable adverse rainfall impacts, with low water output not sufficient to satisfy the water needs for the community. The pump operators reported that the borehole water level has dropped, because it took about 15 hours to fill the reservoir of 5000l capacity. The Technium Social Sciences Journal Vol. 25, 774-782, November, 2021 ISSN: 2668-7798 www.techniumscience.com

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water committee and pump operators attested that inconsistent water supply to the community was as a result of the low borehole water output and regular pump breaks, which resulted in the community without water for more than two weeks. The borehole water supply was supplemented by daily municipal water supply through at least five deliveries per day.

3.2 Multi-stakeholder roles in water security

In the study, three groups of stakeholders, namely the municipality (government), the community water committee and pump operators worked together; each group playing different but complementary roles to ensure daily water supply to Shakadza community. The study results provided a mix of the roles played by each group to ensure consistent supply of quality water to the community. The team of stakeholders operated in partnership to institute practices that were helpful in reducing the risk of water insecurity. Inclusion of the water committee and pump operators in the team is supported by The South African National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) provision for the establishment of ‘water management institutions which include a catchment management agency, a water user association, a body responsible for water management or any person who fulfils the functions of a water management institution in terms of the Act. Braimah et al. (2016) corroborate that involving communities in the operation and maintenance of water facilities is expected to be a cost-effective means of ensuring sustainable provision of water to rural communities. Sevlo (2010) submits that if community members are direct beneficiaries of the water facilities, they will endeavour to sustain them if they take charge of the management, operation and maintenance of the facilities. This type of partnership is necessary to allow the nations to harness opportunities available to progress towards climate compatible development (Dyer et al., 2013). Carmona et al. (2014) add that the need to adapt to the impacts of climate change has led to the use of multi-scale and multi-sectoral partnerships as mechanisms for engaging actors from various sectors with diverse perspectives and expertise to help tackle complex climate and broader environmental problems. Surminski and Leck (2016) concur that the measures to reduce and manage risk levels are determined at multiple- scale level and involve a broad range of stakeholders, including public and private sector actors.

For Mimura et al. (2014) multi-stakeholder climate change adaptation practices require the adjustment of collaborative relationships and role description in order to bring change.

3.2.1 Musina Local Municipality/Government

The main role played by Musina Local Municipality was commitment to transport water by a water tanker daily to Shakadza community for household consumption. The only occurrence where water was not supplied, it was when the water truck was dysfunctional.

Community members accessed the water with easy. Water was fetched by tubs and wheelbarrowed to the households by the women, girls and boys. The role of the municipality as stakeholder in providing water for daily consumption in Shakadza community is fulfilled in terms of the South African Water Services Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) which assigns the responsibility for ensuring access to water services to a water services authority which is defined as ‘any municipality, including a district or rural council. The South African Department of Water Affairs (DWA, 2013) attests that it remains the responsibility of government to provide water to satisfy the domestic demands in the right quantity and quality, and enhance water reservoirs to ensure efficient use of water resources. Tadesse et al. (2013) support that sustainability of rural water supply systems is possible if stakeholders such as government and communities are interdependent, interactive and crucial for achieving sustainable water services with a corresponding behaviour changes over time. Tissington et al. (2008) applauds the role of Musina Municipality in water security by showing that not all municipalities satisfy the water needs within their jurisdiction responsibility as they provide water in an ad hoc manner.

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3.2.2 Pump operators

Despite the less water pumped into the community reservoir, the water was transported through a pipeline to the community and accessed through stand-pipes. The two pump operators’ responsibilities in water security embraced checking the borehole pump pressure daily, the reservoir capacity, the stand-pipes, and reported any breakdown in the water supply as soon as possible to the Mutale Local Municipality officials. These responsibilities included routine cleaning and weeding around the borehole and reservoir, checks on the water taps and repairs of broken taps, done with the support from the water committee. The pump operators developed a schedule to pump the water into the reservoir to supply water to the communal taps. Water was pumped from 5pm till 16h00, whether or not the reservoir was full. This type of water facility maintenance is similar to the findings of Braimah and Fielmua (2011) in which the school children assist the water pump operators in cleaning activities around the water fetching points. Braimah et al. (2016) support that involving communities to ensure water security might sustain the provision of water.

3.2.3 Water Committee

Shakadza Water Committee was a volunteer group of six community members (three men and three women) established at the community level with the mandate to plan, monitor water usage, and repair the water taps to ensure daily water supply to the community. The main roles embraced prevention of tap leakages, barring of livestock drinking and washing from the taps, and water connections for gardening. The committee operated without any financial gain.

Musina Local Municipality water division staff played a supervisory and capacity building role over the committee. The committee was trained to report the water system to the municipality when it breaks down, and monitoring of the use of water taps in the community. The committee held regular meetings and had records of maintenance activities. This practice is supported by Osumanu (2013) that mainstreaming community initiatives and realising their potential to act in full partnership with the state and utilities requires sustained effort, among others, in capacity building and enabling communities to participate in the decision-making process for a sustainable water supply. In the study, the committee members were not paid for their multiple responsibilities to ensure consistent water supply to the community. This type of responsibility is corroborated by Braimah and Fielmua (2011) as an accepted social responsibility to manage community facilities.

Bogale and Urgessa (2012) also view this as a measure to manage the community water system by overseeing day-to-day operations and setting policies, such as whether and how much to charge for usage to cover future maintenance costs. For Chisenga (2014), the Water Management Committees are essential to ensure the sustainability of community water systems.

For example, in Malawi there are projects aimed at sustainability of water resources by building capacity through the establishment and training of water committees so that the project inputs are maintained and outcomes sustained past the life of the project. The villagers of Ndinda and Ngoyiya communities are trained in proper usage, management and maintenance, to engender lasting effects on the health and development of individuals and the communities (Graciana, 2010).

4. Conclusion

The present study provides community-level roles to ensure sustainable water supply, which have proven to be common practice to ensure water security. It is evident that groundwater resources such as Shakadza’s main borehole, are under observable pressure as a result of the negative impacts of climate change because water supply continues without Technium Social Sciences Journal Vol. 25, 774-782, November, 2021 ISSN: 2668-7798 www.techniumscience.com

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recharge of the boreholes. The burden of inconsistent water supply to the community does not only concern the community, but the government as the main water authority to fulfil its obligations. Therefore, in the present study, both the government and the community are in a collaborative effort to ensure consistent daily water supply to Shakadza community. The community as the main recipient, benefit from the multi-stakeholder roles of the pump operators and water committee as they ensure proper use and repair of the borehole and stand-taps, as well as government’s initiative to supply water daily. Skills development in the management of water supply in the community is a commendable development, which evolved into a concerted collaboration to ensure consistent water supply. This collaborative management practice is a combined determination by internal and external stakeholders, where internal stakeholders are pump operators and the water committee, and external stakeholder is the local municipality water division staff.

Author Contribution

I am the sole author of the manuscript.

Acknowledgements

To the members of Shakadza community in Limpopo Province for their kindness and interest in taking part in the study.

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