An empirical investigation into the water resource revenue management of Matjhabeng Municipality

Abstract

The subject of water is one of the most studied fields worldwide. The importance of water in daily lives and developmental objectives can never be taken lightly. This is the one main reason for the un-ending interest in studies relating to water. This mini-dissertation focuses on water revenue management in the context of a municipal environment. Most municipalities in the Republic of South Africa are in continuous battle to supply water proficiently, to conserve water sufficiently, to recover and manage efficiently their water resources revenues. There is an alarming increase in new settlements in the country in the demand for water services. The burden of providing water services is leaning on government mechanisms. Consumers cannot afford the services and great discontent brews in the communities since their expectations cannot be met. This is a vital battle for the viability and sustainability of municipal water utilities. All these take place in the backdrop of a great loss of public trust in government institutions in recent times. The decisions that public executives have taken since the dawn of democracy have put a challenge on sustainability of services as provided in the current day environment. It is in this context that a link on the decisions and priorities set, is established with the viability of the water business run by a municipality in the Republic of South Africa .