Water insecurity and sanitation challenges in informal settlements : the case of Duncan Village in East London , South Africa
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Date
2017
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Fort Hare
Abstract
Water supply and sanitation has been a primary logistical challenge since the dawn of civilization. Where water resources or infrastructure or sanitation systems are insufficient
for the population, people fall prey to disease, dehydration, and in extreme cases, death. Access to safe drinking water and sanitation is essential to the enjoyment of other rights
such as the rights to education, health, safety and an environment that is not harmful to human health or wellbeing. The aim of the study is to explore the challenges of water
insecurity and inadequate sanitation in Duncan Village. The study is guided by the following objectives: (i) To assess the negative effects of water insecurity and inadequate
sanitation in Duncan Village (ii) To analyse the extent to which water insecurity has exacerbated sanitation challenges in Duncan Village (iii) To investigate the effectiveness of community and institutional responses to water insecurity and sanitation challenges in Duncan Village. The study employed qualitative approach in collecting the data. The researcher interviewed 20 household heads in Duncan Village, 2 ward councillors and 2 key informants. The major findings of this study illustrate the frustration of members of Duncan Village due to limited access to water sources and sanitation facilities. It also highlights the limited intervention from the local government as well as that the community consists of people living in poverty otherwise they would have improved their situation e.g by buying water tanks or mobile toilets. It can be concluded that because they live in poor standards they have been deprived of their human rights (access to water and adequate sanitation). Living in informal settlements has made the people of Duncan Village accept the less privileged lifestyle and make do with what they have at their disposal. Furthermore, a connection is noted between housing and the delivery of basic services.
Description
Masters Dissertation
Keywords
Municipal water supply, Public utilities, Sanitation
Citation
Sithole,D.N.Water insecurity and sanitation challenges in informal settlements : the case of Duncan Village in East London , South Africa.Alice.University of Fort Hare.