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Institutional Arrangements and Roles within Water and Wastewater Treatments in the Vhembe District, South Africa

Author

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  • Khumbelo Mabadahanye

    (School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa)

  • Mwazvita T. B. Dalu

    (School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa)

  • Linton F. Munyai

    (School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa)

  • Farai Dondofema

    (Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa)

  • Tatenda Dalu

    (School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa)

Abstract

Water scarcity is a global challenge faced by millions of people, and it has a negative impact on the ecosystem, public health, and financial stability. Water demand and supply management becomes critical, especially in areas with limited access to clean, safe water. Wastewater and water treatment infrastructure is essential for maintaining environmental integrity and protecting human health. However, water treatment plants in South Africa face various complex obstacles brought on by institutional setups, practical limitations, and environmental concerns, including water quality. This study investigated the institutional arrangements, operational challenges, and environmental concerns that water and wastewater treatment plants face in the Vhembe District Municipality, South Africa. A qualitative study was conducted in Limpopo province, where employees from 12 water and wastewater treatment plants were interviewed, and the data were analyzed thematically. The data were arranged into five major themes using thematic analysis: understanding water and wastewater treatment systems, educational and demographic profile, water quality assessment, operational performance and regulatory compliance, and water volume in waterworks plants. Staff attitudes, institutional and operational challenges, and the current condition of treatment plants were all comprehensively portrayed using Ostrom’s IAD Framework. It was found that workers generally understand water treatment processes, but inconsistencies and a lack of transparency in monitoring water quality were noted, with many parameters from SANS 241 not being tested consistently. A significant educational gap among workers was also observed. Insufficient capacity, load-shedding, limited resources, and inadequate infrastructure prevented treatment plants from meeting daily water needs, worsened by institutional and socio-economic factors. Similar challenges were noted in countries like China, Ethiopia, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Brazil, and Libya. To enhance water management efficiency and compliance, the study recommends more training, standardized procedures, proactive maintenance, and stakeholder involvement.

Suggested Citation

  • Khumbelo Mabadahanye & Mwazvita T. B. Dalu & Linton F. Munyai & Farai Dondofema & Tatenda Dalu, 2024. "Institutional Arrangements and Roles within Water and Wastewater Treatments in the Vhembe District, South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-17, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:19:p:8362-:d:1486084
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Leonard Owino Kachienga & Thendo Ndou & Mpumelelo Casper Rikhotso & Afsatou Ndama Traore & Natasha Potgieter, 2025. "Assessing the Physiochemical Parameters and Reduction Efficiency from Two Typical Wastewater Treatment Plants in the Vhembe District in South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(6), pages 1-15, May.
    2. Khumbelo Mabadahanye & Mwazvita T. B. Dalu & Linton F. Munyai & Farai Dondofema & Tatenda Dalu, 2025. "Perceptions and Knowledge of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Workers Regarding Plastic Pollution and Removal," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-13, January.

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