Water distribution and purification by Tlokwe Local Municipality : the case of Mooibank farms

Abstract

The goal of water distribution is to deliver sufficient quantity and quality water cost effectively to the public interest and other stakeholders. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) attempted to solve water distribution problems in Tlokwe through the implementation of Water Administration System (WAS). WAS is highly recommended by most scientific communities and other stakeholders as it’s viewed highly efficient in water distribution. However, besides its implementation by the Mooi River Government Water Scheme (GWS) in 2004, Tlokwe water scarcity continued to be a major challenge facing the Mooibank irrigating farmers and Tlokwe water purification works. Hence, the study explored water distribution challenges and/or problems that were facing Mooibank irrigating farmers and Tlokwe Local Municipality (TLM) purification water works. The researcher had to take into consideration that the water programmes (i.e. WAS) used in Tlokwe’s water distribution operate with or through water service authority’s personnel. Therefore, the aspects of morality and work ethics get involved in water distribution. Hence, the study followed qualitative and quantitative (mixed method) design or approach. Furthermore, access to sufficient water is one of the basic rights, as outlined in the bill of rights section 27 1(b) of the 1996 South African Constitution. However, this basic right (access to sufficient water) need to be balanced with other sectors as well. More especially agricultural sector, which is vital for producing fresh foods i.e. humans cannot live without food and/or water, these two components (food and water) are naturally interlinked. Hence, the study explored the water distribution (and even challenges) at Mooibank irrigation farms, Mooi River GWS and TLM purification water works in the North West Province. The recommendations of this study might (hopefully), prompt the main water service stakeholders (i.e. Mooi River GWS, TLM and DWS); to reform their organisational strategic plans and/or personnel functions with regard to the application of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) system(s) such as WAS. Furthermore, lessons may also be learned possibly elsewhere in the country wherein there are having similar water distribution challenges.