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3. In terms of local government service provisions, which essential services are provided and how are they accessed?
Theme 1:
Essential Services provided
This theme explores the essential services provided by the local government and how they are accessed. It highlights the critical role these municipalities play in ensuring access to services like water, sanitation, health care, disaster management and infrastructure development, especially in areas with limited economic opportunities and sparse population densities.
Water Services
Participants discussed the essential services provided by rural municipalities, emphasizing the critical role of water and sanitation services. Participant 2 noted that municipalities such as uMzimvubu, Matatiele, Ntabankulu and Madikizela Mandela focus primarily on water provision as a core service. Due to the rural nature of these areas, water services are provided for free, a contrast to urban municipalities where water services generate revenue. Participant 3 explained that although water and sanitation services are provided without cost, there may be installation fees for water meter boxes. This underscores the municipalities’ commitment to ensuring basic water access while navigating the challenges of minimal local revenue generation.
Essential services are provided
Participant 2
“Yeah. We have local municipalities that are uMzimvubu, Matatiele, Ntabankulu, Madikizela Mandela. Now in terms of the services being offered, the core of service for the district would be water provision”
Participant 3
“I am in the district we’re providing water. They are our core function with providing sanitation. They are free. If there is a co-payment here it is for the installation here meter box.”
Participant 4
“With the districts, it’s water services, You don’t pay for services like this, which in cities, these are the services that you generate income on.”
Participant 7
“Yeah. I’ll just, cover because some of these are covered by category, a, by all the municipalities. In mostly sewer and refuse, water, roads, public libraries, municipal health, fire services, disaster management, traffic service, traffic services, electricity, cemeteries. Yes. And others.”
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