Requirements for sustainable operation and maintenance of rural small-scale water infrastructure in Limpopo Province, South Africa

This study assessed the presence of key requirements for sustainable O&M and rehabilitation of rural small-scale water infrastructure in Makhudutamaga Municipality in South Africa. The study found a significant correlation between the requirements for sustainable O&M and rehabilitation of rural small-scale water infrastructure and continuity of service provision ( p < 0.001) by the small-scale water infrastructure as well as functionality ( p < 0.001) of the small-scale water infrastructure hardware. The study concludes that the presence of the key requirements varies as a function of social dynamics of communities and the presence of these requirements has an impact on the functionality and continuity of the small-scale water infrastructure hardware. Keywords: continuity of service, functionality, household survey, robustness of hardware