Spatial planning strategies for sustainable municipal household water service provision: a case study of Thohoyandou Town in Vhembe District Municipality of Limpopo, South Africa

Abstract

Many towns across South Africa, including Thohoyandou, continue to face significant challenges when it comes to reliable municipal water supply. The root causes often lie in aging or inadequate infrastructure, the pressures of rapid town expansion, and ongoing governance issues that hinder effective service delivery. This study focuses on how spatial planning can play a key role in supporting sustainability and access to household water services in Thohoyandou town. A mixed-methods case study approach was used to explore these issues in depth. Data collection included 382 household questionnaires, interviews with ten municipal officials, direct observation of local water infrastructure, and a thorough review of existing planning documents. Through both quantitative and qualitative analysis, the study assessed the current state of water service delivery and how it relates to the town’s planning processes. The findings point to a range of interconnected problems. The study identified a disconnect between Vhembe District Municipality’s Spatial Development Framework and its Water Services Development Plan. This misalignment has contributed to gaps in infrastructure provision, particularly in newly developed or rapidly growing areas. The study responds to these issues by proposing a more integrated planning approach that would better coordinate rural and town development with water infrastructure needs. This includes aligning spatial development plans with water service strategies, fostering collaboration between planners and engineers, targeting infrastructure upgrades in fast-growing parts of the town, and actively involving communities in decision-making around water services. If these strategies are put into action, Thohoyandou could see a meaningful improvement in both the consistency and fairness of its water supply. Moreover, the proposed framework supports national policy goals laid out in the Spatial Planning and Land Use Act (SPLUMA, 2013) and the National Development Plan 2030. It also aligns with key global goals, including Sustainable Development Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation) and Goal 11 (sustainable cities and communities).