Exploring Perceived Factors Contributing to Poor Performance of Water Infrastructure Systems in Gauteng Province, South Africa

Water infrastructure ensures public health, economic development, and social and environmental sustainability. However, various factors contribute to its poor performance, particularly in developing economies like South Africa. This review examines the factors that negatively impact water infrastructure effectiveness for achieving optimal performance. The study adopted a quantitative approach, using a structured questionnaire survey conducted among various water infrastructure management in Gauteng Province, South Africa. A descriptive survey research design was utilised to gather data. Non-random sampling was used to select 31% of the target population, resulting in a sample size of 201 respondents. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, achieving a Cronbach's alpha of 0.775, indicating good reliability. The analysis revealed that the aging of water infrastructure, inadequate maintenance, vandalism to water infrastructure, the illegal connection of water supply, population growth, water pollution, insufficient funding, long-term planning for water supply and political interference are the major factors contributing to poor water infrastructure performance. The primary factor contributing to poor water infrastructure performance is the aging of the infrastructure. This presents significant challenges, such as reduced system efficiency and frequent breakdowns and inefficiencies in water supply systems. The findings emphasised that the government of South Africa at all levels (local, provincial, and national) prioritises investments in infrastructure maintenance, improving financial planning and resource allocation, building capacity and providing personnel training, implementing policy and regulatory reforms, and enhancing community engagement. The study recommends addressing the gap within the current water infrastructure administration challenges, policies, and applications over technological advancements.