Abstract:
Many rural communities of South Africa are living without adequate water supplies mainly due to
historical lack of infrastructure and effective water reticulation systems. Day to day challenges of
accessing water from distant boreholes and rivers are a reality particularly for women and children
in rural Limpopo. This study investigates the nature and extent of water supply problems and how
communities are living without adequate water in three rural communities of Greater-Giyani Local
Municipality in South Africa. The study area lies in a semi-arid region which regularly experiences
climate extremes such as droughts and floods which can reduce the ability of the municipality to
supply water. Primary data was collected through questionnaires, key informant interviews and
field observations while population, climate and hydrological data are also analyzed. A mixed
methods research design was employed using qualitative methods such as content analysis
whilst quantitative methods were dominated by time series analysis techniques and online
interactive climate platforms such as the Climate Engine. It was found that households, schools
and clinics in the study area rely mainly on boreholes for water supply but sometimes rivers supply
those living nearby. An incomplete and poor water reticulation system coupled with erratic and
shortening summer rainfall seasons are some of the major causes of water shortages in the study
area. In order to cope with inadequate water, community members and public institutions in the
study area have drilled boreholes and the sustainability of groundwater in the area is not well
established. During summer, most households and institutions practise rainwater harvesting while
a few resort to purchasing water from vendors. Despite these challenges which are not well
documented, it was concluded that most of the rural poor households and institutions in the study
area are well adapted to cope with water scarcity in the short term, while being vulnerable in the
long term due to population growth and climate change. The study recommends the need for
government and municipalities to invest in water reticulation systems in the long term whilst
providing water to affected rural communities through water tankers, drilling more boreholes and
maintenance of existing ones. Lessons learnt from this study may be useful to other municipalities
across South Africa that are grappling with challenges of water access and supply.
