Institutional frameworks to support community management in South Africa

Year of publication: 2000

Izingolweni - a community of about 35 000 people - is situated in the UguDistrictMunicipality (Regional Council - RC - at the time the case study was done) in southern Kwa-Zulu Natal. This case study is an example of a community-based organization (CBO) acting as the Water Service Provider (WSP) with local government fulfilling the role of support services agent (SSA). The example illustrates that CBO models have both the capacity and willingness to manage water services and are a suitable institutional option for less accessible rural communities.

A critical success factor towards establishing effective CBO WSP models is effective capacity building and access to support. Legislative, financial and policy frameworks must encompass a legal recognition of CBO's as Water Service Provider's whereby an enabling environment for their establishment and success is created. Public-CBO Partnerships are an important institutional option to consider for the provision of water services in rural areas.

Lessons learnt

• The CBO WSP is providing cost-effective services that have benefited the consumers through a lower tariff as well as reliable services.
• In addition, the community-based model has ensured excellent access by the consumers to the WSP with good customer relations and communication strategies.
• Critical to the success of this community-based model are the technical, ISD and mentoring support services provided by the Ugu Regional Council.
• The overall model has ensured a culture of community ownership and responsibility as well as payment for services.
• The CBO option also provided employment to local community members, skills development of both the WSP committee and the officials as well as a means of ensuring that the community takes responsibility for their own development.