| Summary: | There is an ever–increasing demand for potable water in South Africa. The quality
of surface and groundwater throughout many regions of South Africa has
deteriorated over the past few years due to many forms of industrial and
agricultural pollution. In order to comply with legislation and the basic human rights
as set out in the Constitution of South Africa (RSA, 1996), the management and
distribution of the potable water supply within South Africa needs to be addressed
comprehensively (Nealer & Raga, 2008a:158).
As a resident of Potchefstroom, the researcher has a keen interest in the water
services of the city of Potchefstroom, the origin of the potable water, how the
potable water resources are managed, how the water is distributed and finally the
destination of the grey water. In this study, the researcher focused on the
management of one of the important resources of potable water for the
Potchefstroom area, the Gerhard Minnebron (GMB). The GMB is the largest
natural fountain in the Southern hemisphere; yielding 60–80 mega litres of water
per day (see Figures 1, 2 and 4 for the locality of the fountain). This fountain flows
out of a dolomitic groundwater compartment that is part of the larger Boskop–
Turffontein dolomite compartment (Winde, 2006). The geology and geo–hydrology
of the area where the fountain is situated and surrounding areas make the GMB a
very vulnerable resource with regard to exploitation and pollution from upstream
water users.
An empirical study was conducted with the relevant role–players in the current
management of the GMB and stakeholders in the management of the GMB as
important resource of potable water for the city of Potchefstroom and its residents.
From this study, it was evident that knowledge concerning the GMB is limited, and
the current management structures in place do not always function effectively so
as to ensure the sustainable management and development of the GMB. Legislation on water services management in South Africa has come a long way
since the early 1990s, but its application, however, is not yet in place in all areas of
South Africa.
From the research the researcher could arrive at some logical conclusions and
make specific recommendations for the future management of the GMB that will
assist in the efforts towards more effective management of the GMB as an
important resource of potable water for Potchefstroom. === Thesis (M. Development and Management)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.
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