Evaluation of the implementation of water and sanitation policies in a low-cost housing settlement of Ambleton and Ambleton Extension in Pietermaritburg, Msunduzi Municipality.
Abstract
The post apartheid government has been engaged in the process of delivering
formal housing, water, and sanitation services to the poor. Because of huge
backlogs in the provision of these basic services, the government has focused on
meeting quantitative targets. The government has made significant strides to
reduce the level of backlogs in basic service the delivery. However, there were
challenges that confronted government in its endeavours to expedite delivery of
services. The main challenge relates to the fragmentation in the funding
mechanism for housing and the physical infrastructure, particularly water and
sanitation infrastructure. Concerns have been raised about the ability of the local
sphere of government to provide suitable land and quality physical infrastructure
which were a prerequisite for sustainable settlements.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the implementation of water and sanitation
policies in a low-cost housing (LCH) settlement of Ambleton and Ambleton
Extension in Pietermaritzburg. In line with the set objectives, the study attempted
to find out if the implementation of water and sanitation policies in the area was
consistent with the national policies and to establish whether or not people that
lived in the area felt the quality of services has improved their lives.
A qualitative methodology was used to collect data. In this regard three methods
of collecting data were used, namely, semi-structured questionnaire, interviews
and observation. The findings of the study showed that there were challenges
with water and sanitation services. Some of the challenges relate to the
inconsistent and fragmented nature of the funding mechanism that is inherent in
basic service delivery policies. Residents of Ambleton and Ambleton Extension
were generally unhappy about the quality of water and sanitation services.
The study recommends that the government should revise its funding
mechanism to strengthen the ability of municipalities to provide quality services.
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