An assessment of the role of community partnerships in addressing environmental problems in KwaMashu Township, Durban.
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Date
2002
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Abstract
Partnerships are a recognized tool for addressing local level environmental problems.
They involve knowledge-sharing and decision-making by both local authorities and
communities. Two different partnerships developed in Durban's KwaMashu Township
with a view to addressing environmental problems associated with a degraded small
stream viz, the KwaMashu Development Association (KDA) and the KwaMashu
Development Initiative (KDI). This thesis describes a study carried out on these two
partnerships, comparing their efficacy in resolving the problems and the factors that
contributed to the pollution of the stream. Specific environmental circumstances
conducive to the degradation of the stream, as well as measures put in place to address
them, were identified during a field survey. Semi-structured questionnaires were then
used to interview members of the two partnerships to obtain information on how they
developed and functioned as a unit. Information was also obtained from respective
individuals, regarding their perception of the factors that contributed to the stream
degradation and the effectiveness of their rehabilitation efforts. Although the study
found both partnerships to be of the leverage type, there were significant differences
between the socio-economic profile and political affiliations of members. The KDA
partnership received funding for the project whereas the KDI received no funding, but
had a vision. The Keep Durban Beautiful Association created an awareness relating to
waste and open space management which was imparted to the KDT members and this
enabled them to achieve the goals of the project. These different baselines clearly
contributed to the differences in the effectiveness of the partnerships.
Description
Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.
Keywords
Environmental policy--KwaZulu-Natal--Citizen participation., Environmental protection--KwaZulu-Natal--Citizen participation., Water quality management--KwaZulu-Natal--KwaMashu., Theses--Environmental science.