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The Research

The WD-SA is essentially an experiential, experimental, applied and innovative research mechanism aimed at facilitating a deeper understanding of the provision of water services. From the problem statement, the following research question was formulated:
Given the varying capacities of Water Service Authorities (WSAs), how do different institutional approaches affect outcomes?


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The research is structured around institutional approaches. Specific approaches are reflected most accurately in the section 78 selection of a Water Service Provider (WSP) and the form of the contract between the Water Service Authority (WSA) and WSP (left columns below). However the capacity of the WSA is also likely to influence water and sanitation delivery. (Since there is no straightforward measure of capacity, “operating income” was used as a proxy for capacity.)

The table below shows the structure used to select case studies for primary research. In each case study area selected, teams of researchers contracted by WD-SA will conduct key informant interviews as well as participatory community workshops to assess how the institutional approach affected service delivery, user satisfaction, financial management, and resource management.



In the table above, *indicates cells in which potential case studies have been identified. When two different institutional approaches were used in one area concurrently or when the institutional approach changed over time, the same case appears in two cells. Comparing areas with similar capacities and institutional arrangements will allow for the emergence of other factors to explain differences in delivery.

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Case study research was piloted in three areas: Ugu (KwaZulu Natal),  iLembe, (KwaZulu Natal) and Bushbuckridge (Mpumalanga). Phase two research was conducted in Chris Hani (Eastern Cape), Maluti-a-Phofung  (Free State), Johannesburg (Gauteng), Cape Town (Western Cape) and uThukela (KwaZulu Natal).

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Case Study findings:

Bushbuckridge

Full Report

Case Study Summary

PowerPoint Presentation

Cape Town

Full Report

Appendices A -E to the full report

Appendix F to the full report

Case Study Summary

PowerPoint Presentation

iLembe

Full Report

Case Study Summary

PowerPoint Presentation

Ugu

Full Report

Case Study Summary

PowerPoint Presentation (coming soon)

uThukela

Full Report

PowerPoint Presentation

Johannesburg Municipality

Full Report

Case Study Summary

PowerPoint Presentation (coming soon)

Chris Hani Municipality

Full Report

Case Study Summary

PowerPoint Presentation

Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality

Full Report

Case Study Summary

PowerPoint Presentation (coming soon)

In each case study area, research was conducted with both the water service providers (WSP’s) and the users of water (community members). The questions used to guide the research can be viewed through these links.

The Policy Formation Poster shows how findings from case studies could feed into national policy, via the Working Group.