Exploring the effectiveness of institutionalised water conservation policy in the workplace: Empirical observations from the North-West University – Mahikeng campus in South Africa

Abstract

The provision and availability of water continues to be a major socioeconomic challenge in many arid and semi-arid African countries, including South Africa. The South African government has recognised that development efforts must go hand in hand with attempts to conserve this scarce resource. However, response measures to water conservation challenges must not only be at the household level but also needs to be acknowledged at the workplace. In 2013, the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs, through the Premier of the North-West province, declared the province a disaster area because of water shortages in major towns. The water shortages were attributed to a low inflow of water from the Grootfontein dolomitic compartment and vandalism of water infrastructure coupled with increased consumption. The management of the North-West University-Mahikeng Campus responded to this water shortage by erecting a water storage tank with a capacity of 5 million litres in 2014. There are currently no mechanisms to measure and monitor water usage in the institution. The North-West University physical infrastructure policy is silent about water consumption and efficient usage. The aim of the study is to explore the effectiveness of the implementation of institutionalised water conservation policy at the North-West University - Mahikeng Campus. This study adopts a quantitative research approach underpinned by a positivist research paradigm. It collected data from 72 respondents using an online self-administered survey questionnaire. Results revealed that managers are aware of the water challenges with the majority indicating that the Campus experiences persistent water shortages. These results suggest that increased knowledge of water sources and distribution problems could portray increased engagement in water protection and conservation. However, the study noted a low implementation of strategies towards water conservation and the absence of an institutionalised water conservation policy document. The lack of a formalised water conservation workplace policy document is perceived as an organisational non-response to water scarcity and water shortages. Therefore, based on empirical sustainability strategies, this study recommends the formulation of an institutionalised workplace policy that is aligned with the existing legislation to promote water conservation practices and address the problem of water shortages.