Assessing the usefulness of water conserving city planning: a case of Inner City Durban, South Africa.

Abstract

Since the beginning of industrialisation, urban areas have been rapidly growing. Recently, a paradigm shift has become noticeable, away from unchecked city growth toward more sustainable solution to problems rooted in urban water scarcity, subsidised by climate change and a plethora of anthropogenic activities. In the light of numerous negative trends of urban water conservation, the aim of this study is to suggest a far-reaching redefining approach of city planning predominantly focusing on water conservation in urban areas. To achieve this aim, the efficiency of fresh water supply in the city of Durban was examined; the usefulness of the existing water conservation plans was described and the urban land use contribution to water conservation was explored. The researcher used a qualitative research technique in both data collection and analysis. According to the findings, the city of Durban, South Africa as the case study area, made many attempt, drafted plans and policies towards water conservation. These initiatives include water conservation public awareness campaign, water infrastructure improvement, attempts to recycle wastewater and so on, however most these initiatives are seemingly facing challenges in meeting the required end. Consequently, access to water in the near future, if not currently, is becoming contested. To resolve the contestation, an appropriate mechanism is required. By merging both modern water management and city planning, a convincing idea which provide a positive guiding principles and operational framework including measures which will be considerably facilitate a positive move towards a water-secure city can be reached at. To this far, the concept of Integrated Urban Water Management will be recommended.