Barriers to Successful Implementation of Coproduction in Potable Water Service Delivery in the Mncwasa Water Scheme

Impi Rungano Kuhlengisa, Sikelelwa Blaai and Beauty Zindi

Published: 2026/06/01

Abstract

Purpose: This study assessed coproduction barriers that are affecting sustainable potable water supply in the Mncwasa Water Scheme, South Africa. Methods and Design: We employed a qualitative research approach and a case study design, using the Mncwasa Water Scheme as the case. Purposive sampling was employed. Data was collected using both primary and secondary methods. Data collected in this study were analysed using thematic analysis, during which five main themes emerged. Findings: The study revealed several coproduction barriers affecting the sustainable potable water supply in the Mncwasa Water Scheme. These challenges include institutional capacity and financial constraints, infrastructure challenges, ambiguous policy and regulatory frameworks, low levels of community engagement and participation, and power imbalances. Recommendations: To address the revealed challenges, deliberate efforts must be made at the local level to foster the inclusion of marginalised groups in decision-making. The municipality must provide resources, including skills development and training programmes, to community members to enable them to fully participate in coproduction initiatives. Massive investment in both centralised and decentralised infrastructure should be prioritised to build resilient water systems. Community members’ involvement in infrastructure planning and management is key to ensuring that projects meet community needs. Originality/value: This paper contributes to the practical understanding of co-production in developing countries and the potential of such co-production for improving clean water access. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous scientific research has studied how co-production can improve and sustain access to clean water sources in developing countries, and this paper aims to fill this gap.

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