Institutional Analysis for MUS
An Analysis of Water Services Institutions in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality
Following the implementation of SWELL Ward 33 (then called Ward 16) a Ward Synthesis Process was carried out. The Ward Synthesis process saw an integrated planning process of water projects. These were to be implemented in various ways but the majority were to be included in the municipal IDP.
After a number of follow-up and feedback sessions, it was evident that the projects developed during the Ward Synthesis process were not being prioritised by the municipality. This situation then presented another area of research, which was to try and understand the different institutions and processes involved in water services planning in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality.
This paper (Dlamini, 2007) attempts to draw some understanding of the operations of these different institutions and how they contribute to water security for multiple uses.
Overview of the Project
Water services planning does no longer lie with one institution, especially in rural areas. In Bushbuckridge, various government institutions are involved in providing water services for different purposes. However, these different institutions still struggle to operate within the Integrated Development Planning framework, which requires collective planning for water services by all relevant and affected stakeholders.
The reasons for this lack of integration in planning are multiple. These generally include the institutional uncertainty that has been predominant in Bushbuckridge, with responsibilities shifting backwards and forwards between provinces, and long transfer times. Most municipal sections are understaffed, especially that of water services planning, which affects as well operation and maintenance services.