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.