Challenges causing delay in the implementation of water project in Mutale Municipality and its impact on social life of the community: a case study of Tshipise/Dambale Water Project

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the challenges facing the delay in the implementation of a water project and its impact on social life of the community using Tshipise / Dambale water project as a case study. Questionnaires were used to collect the data. The study was placed in both the quantitative and qualitative research paradigm. The researcher used a non-probability method and its subtype purposive sampling for the purpose of collecting from the respondents with accurate and relevant information. The populations involved in this study were local traditional leaders; civic members from Tshipise and Dambale villages; and water committee from Tshipise and Dambale villages who completed the questionnaire and the community development worker (CDW), Ward councillor, community liaison officer (CLO) who were interviewed. The study revealed that the municipality is obliged, by the law, to provide the community with water and also that the municipality is aware that the law binds them to provide the community with water. The studies also revealed that lack of capacity of contractors in the implementation of water project have delayed the implementation of water project. It was recommended that competent contractors with relevant skills need to be appointed to render a relevant service. It was also recommended that the municipality must undertake proper monitoring to ensure the contractor is doing what he or she is supposed to do.