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MAHENI Local Municipality, Mutale; District Municipality, Vhembe; Limpopo Province; South Africa Location Lat: S 22°44′0.1″ Long: E 30°36′0.0″

FINAL

CCoommmmuunniittyy WWaatteerr MMaannaaggeemmeenntt PPllaann ffoorr

MMaahheennii,, SSoouutthh AAffrriiccaa

‘Tangible benefits to the community resulting from community managed interventions that can be replicated

elsewhere’

Community Water Management Plan – Maheni, South Africa i

BRITISH GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WALLINGFORD, OXON

UK

WELLFIELD CONSULTING SERVICES

GABORONE BOTSWANA

CSIR

PRETORIA SOUTH AFRICA

Contents

1. Introduction .................................................................................................................... 1

2. Principles of the Plan ..................................................................................................... 1

3. Goal and Objectives of the Plan ..................................................................................... 3

3.1 Goal ........................................................................................................................ 3

3.2 Objectives ............................................................................................................... 3

4. Community Overview ..................................................................................................... 5

4.1 Location .................................................................................................................. 5

4.2 Community Characteristics ..................................................................................... 5

4.2.1 Demography .................................................................................................... 5

4.2.2 Community Amenities ...................................................................................... 5

4.2.3 Community Economic Activities ....................................................................... 6

4.3 Maheni Community Water Supply ........................................................................... 6

4.3.1 Existing Water Supply System ......................................................................... 6

4.3.2 Additional Drought Mitigation Water Supply Structures (Piloted) ...................... 6

4.4 Water Management Structures ............................................................................... 8

4.4.1 Rural Water Supply Stakeholders. ................................................................... 8

4.4.2 Water Stakeholder Interactions ........................................................................ 8

4.5 Drought Awareness and Coping Mechanisms ......................................................... 8

4.5.1 Community Perception of Drought. .................................................................. 8

4.5.2 Coping Strategies ............................................................................................ 9

4.5.3 Future Drought Mitigation Measures .............................................................. 10

5. Community Water Management Plan ........................................................................... 11

5.1 Plan Administration ............................................................................................... 11

5.2 Plan Implementation and Monitoring ..................................................................... 11

5.2.1. The Stakeholder Management Committee ..................................................... 12

5.2.2 Physical Monitoring ........................................................................................ 12

5.2.3 Social Monitoring ........................................................................................... 13

5.2.4 Awareness ..................................................................................................... 14

5.2.5 Training .......................................................................................................... 15

5.2.6 Feedback Mechanisms .................................................................................. 15

5.2.7 O and M Plan ................................................................................................. 17

5.3 Plan Actions/Strategy ............................................................................................ 17

5.3.1 Triggers ......................................................................................................... 17

5.3.2 Reaction ........................................................................................................ 18

Community Water Management Plan – Maheni, South Africa ii


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6. Plan Proponents .......................................................................................................... 19

List of Tables

Table 5.1 Physical Monitoring Indicators ........................................................................... 13

Table 5.2 Monitoring of Population Welfare Indicators ...................................................... 13

Table 5.3 Monitoring of Water Supply Indicators ............................................................... 14

Table 5.4 Awareness Programme (AP) Monitoring............................................................ 15

Community Water Management Plan – Maheni, South Africa iii


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List of Acronyms

AP Awareness programme

CBO community based organization

CC Catchment Council

CEO Chief executive officer

CMA Catchment Management Association

CWMP Community Water Management Plan

DWAF Department of Water Affairs and Forestry

DDF District Development Fund

HH Household

ITCZ Inter Tropical Convergence Zone

LHS Left hand side

MO Monitoring Operative

MU Monitoring Unit

NGO Non-governmental organisation

O&M Operation and maintenance

Pvc Poly-vinyl chloride

RDC Rural District Councils

RHS Right hand side

SADC Southern African Development Community

SMC Stakeholder Management Committee

TDS Total Dissolved Solids – Water quality

WMA Water Management Area

WUA Water User Association

Quantities

ha hectare

l/sec litre per second - yield

l/sec/m litre per second per metre of drawdown – specific capacity

masl metres above sea level

mg/l milligrams per litre (hydrochemical quality)

mm/year millimetres per year (rainfall or evaporation)

Mm3/a million cubic meters per annum

Community Water Management Plan – Maheni, South Africa 1


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1. Introduction

This Community Water Management Plan (CWMP) has been developed in full consultation with the Maheni community so that the community can better manage its water supply during periods of drought and assist in maintaining community livelihoods and wellbeing in times of water shortage and hardship. The CWMP is the product of a sub-regional project entitled ‘Development and Testing of Groundwater Drought Management Strategies in the Limpopo Basin Pilot Areas’ funded by a GEF grant from the World Bank and implemented by the Groundwater Management Programme within the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC). This CWMP is one of a number of similar Plans that have been developed as pilot programmes in rural communities in the Limpopo Basin in Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa.



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2. Principles of the Plan This CWMP follows a number of guiding principles that will enable the community to sustain its livelihoods and improve wellbeing during periods of drought by better community management and use of local groundwater sources. The key guiding principles are:

Community Ownership Close consultation with the Maheni community and other secondary stakeholders is essential to the achievement of successful and sustainable results. The planning processes contribute to community ownership of the project and the resultant Community Water Management Plan represents the community’s expectations for water management.

Functional Simplicity The content of the plan has been drafted to ensure that it suits the local context and is understandable to the majority of the community. The planning process has also involved detailed consultation with the Community Water Management Committee to ensure their understanding of the water supply interventions.

Essential Data Collection

Comprehensive and accurate quantitative data collection is essential in order to measure social and biophysical changes resulting from the water supply interventions. These data are key to evaluating the effectiveness of each intervention.

Basis of Long Term Community Water Management

The management plan was developed by the community in cooperation with the project team and it aims to provide a strong foundation for long term rural community water management. The plan will be adapted and updated over time by the Community Water Management Committee as lessons are learned by the community through the monitoring of various water supply and social indicators.

Enhance Community Knowledge

The CWMP recognises the knowledge that exists within the community regarding time-proven techniques and traditional ways of water management. The Plan and the cooperative environment within which it has evolved provide additional information and knowledge to community members. A major outcome of the planning process, therefore, has been to enhance technical and management and skills within the community.

Community Contribution

The community was committed to helping initiate and subsequently maintaining the water supply intervention.

Equity and Special Needs

Although the interventions may benefit all residents of the village of Maheni, the Community Water Management Plan respects the special needs of the vulnerable members of the community. The needs of women, resource poor farmers, youth, disabled people and those living with HIV and AIDS have been prioritised as beneficiaries of the Plan.



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Sustainability

This principle aims to sustain the physical, organisational and financial resources for the interventions, but cannot guarantee that this will continue in the post-project phase.



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3. Goal and Objectives of the Plan

3.1 Goal The goal of the CWMP is to facilitate and empower the community to maintain its livelihoods and wellbeing during periods of drought.

3.2 Objectives The specific objectives of the CWMP are: a) To promote improved rural community management and use of water sources,

especially groundwater sources, during periods of drought.

More water available for domestic use especially during drought spells

More water available for food gardens especially during drought spells

More water available for livestock especially during drought spells

As a result of better water management practices reduce the need for emergency water supply

Improved water quality

b) To maintain and improve livelihoods, self-reliance and level of development during drought by means of community managed actions.

reduce food shortage: Number of emergency feeding programmes decrease

increase the number of food gardens

increase the period of food garden activity

Increase the number of months harvesting crops from gardens can occur

Increase the quantity and quality of locally produced vegetables

As a result of greater self-sufficiency from gardens throughout the year, has the socio-economic situation of beneficiary/vulnerable households improved

c) To improve general health in the community

Improved nutritional levels

Number of diarrhoea occurrence stays the same or decrease

Decrease in cases of malnutrition amongst children under the age of 5years

d) Destitution remains the same or decreases.

e) To improve the general knowledge of the community concerning groundwater, pollution and drought preparedness

f) Motivate the community to adopt positive water management practices

g) Ensure the community and Water Committee are sufficiently familiar with physical intervention and know how to maintain and repair it



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h) Empower the community to take control and mange their water resources effectively, by improved knowledge, data collection and data interpretation



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4. Community Overview [For additional information see the Community Water Management Planning Process Manual for Maheni]

4.1 Location

Site location – Mutale, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Georeference – 22° 44’ 0.1’’ S, 30° 36’ 0.0’’ E

Topographic map – sheet 2230DC Makonde (3rd edition, 1999) at scale 1:50 000

Elevation – between 620 and 640 masl.

4.2 Community Characteristics Comprehensive descriptions of the climate, drainage, geology, geomorphology, soils, natural vegetation, fauna and agriculture of Maheni are to be found in the Community Water Management Planning Process document.

4.2.1 Demography

Population groups – Mutale Municipality population is spread over former homeland areas, commercial farms, towns and semi-urban centres. The area includes two towns, Mutale and Masisi as well as villages spread over seven tribal authorities. Although the dominant ethnic group is Venda, there are also Batlokwa (Northern Sotho) and Tsonga. Tshivenda is the most common language. The municipality consists of communal lands with numerous rural settlements, administered by tribal authorities, several towns and rural service centres.

Population – The Mutale Municipality has a population of about 95 700.

Settlement pattern – The Maheni rural settlement comprises four villages. Most households live in brick-built houses. Fewer households live in traditional mud huts. The majority of the people speak Tshivenda as their first language.

Chief and Headman –Mr. Nethengwe is Chief and political head of the Thengwe area of which Maheni community is a part. Mr. Nemaheni is headman of Maheni and political head of the community. .

4.2.2 Community Amenities

Village structure – The Maheni rural community is a linear group of five villages along an east-west trending valley. Households live in modern brick houses or traditional mud huts. Village house-stands are arranged in a regular grid pattern. Many house-stands include fruit trees, vegetable plots and animal ‘kraals’. Stands are allocated by the village headman within the area demarcated for residential purposes.

Business centre – Local government centre is Thengwe.

Roads - Villages are connected by a graded all-weather road to the tarred road between Muzwodi and Thengwe.

Stores – There are several stores in the component villages.



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Power – Rural electricity grid with access to diesel and petrol.

4.2.3 Community Economic Activities

General - some subsistence agriculture and irrigation schemes on the Mutale River, with much administrative and service employment in local business centre

Agricultural Development - land adjacent to the Mutale River is suited crop irrigation. Climatic conditions also support dryland agriculture and livestock farming. The main dryland crop is maize, intercropped with pumpkins and squash. Some groundnuts and sorghum are also grown. Little produce is sold as most dryland crops are consumed by the household; dryland crops supplement household incomes, rarely forming the main source of income. Livestock farming of cattle and goats, is widespread with about one-quarter of households keeping livestock. Cattle and goat herds number 5 to 20 head. All land within the Tshiombo Valley is classified as communal land under Tribal control.

Disaster Management - A centralised drought and flood Early Warning System is in place to inform drought preparedness, mitigation and management. The Department of Water Affairs and Meteorological Services maintain early warning systems.

4.3 Maheni Community Water Supply 4.3.1 Existing Water Supply System

Groundwater mainly occurs in fractured quartzite and sandstone of the Wyllies Poort Formation and superficial alluvial deposits..

The DWA Regional Office in Polokwane monitors water levels at 18 boreholes in catchment A9. In16 of the monitoring boreholes water level decline occurred during 2008 - 2009.

The community area is supplied with water reticulated by the Mutale Local Municipality and several local boreholes. Unfortunately the design and demands are such that the operating pressure is not sufficient in summer/dry season/drought to deliver a consistent supply of water in Maheni. Even so there are plans to extend this pipeline to additional villages east of Maheni. There is one borehole that partially supplies the community with water when the bulk supply scheme shut down. The borehole serves a vital back-up function during summer when demand on the yard connections gives rise to pressure drops and frequent failure of supply. As such, it is not only important for the Maheni Community, but also for other surrounding communities.

Groundwater quality is usually good although the shallow aquifer is vulnerable to contamination as indicated by the presence of nitrate. The groundwaters have low electrical conductivity (EC).

4.3.2 Additional Drought Mitigation Water Supply Structures (Piloted)

Physical interventions at the community water supply borehole and within the community are being upgraded by the SADC project to aid drought mitigation using groundwater sources. These interventions are designed to be easily replicated and maintained by rural communities. The physical interventions focus on better use of groundwater



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resources close to the community which, although relatively low yielding, are the main sources of potable supplies during periods of drought. The three water supply interventions implemented at Maheni village at the community water supply borehole are: Rehabilitation of the water supply borehole including:

A water supply borehole equipped with an electrified submersible pump, and discharging into an adjacent elevated tank with capacity 10 m3..

Refurbish the borehole headworks to preclude any possibility of contaminants entering the bore.

Provide the headworks with protection from accidental damage by motor vehicles that access the site.

Furnish the headworks with a means of access for a dipmeter probe to enter the borehole in order to affect unimpeded manual depth to water rest level measurements.

Drill a hole through the headworks and insert a conduit tube to a suitable depth below the water rest level. Secure access to the conduit tube by means of a lockable cap

Install inline flow meter to measure flow between pump and header tank

Install pipeline and three standpipe sets including

This intervention required the laying of a buried pipeline from the water supply borehole along the road to the village and install three twin-tap standpipes roughly equidistantly from the end of the pipe back towards the borehole.

Install larger capacity overhead tank

Install pipeline of 50mm diameter HDPE plastic pipe approximately 1750 m long in 100 m lengths, and connect and install 50mm twin-tap standpipes at approximate distances from the borehole of 550, 950, and, 1435 m.

Supply, installation and demonstration of groundwater and basic climatologically monitoring equipment including:

Monitor rainfall - install simple rain gauge at Magiledzi Primary School and instruct staff in its use.

Monitor groundwater rest level. SMC instructed in the use of a 50m dipmeter graduated at 1cm intervals.

Monitor groundwater quality - SMC instructed in use of handheld combination electrical conductivity and temperature meter.

Record monitoring data - SMC provided with the materials to record all measurements made.

Training - SMC, pump operator and identified learner group trained in the use, care and maintenance of the monitoring instruments.



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Awareness building - Community acquire basic understanding of groundwater resources and their relationship to rainfall and drought, and their impact on groundwater quantity and quality.

4.4 Water Management Structures

4.4.1 Rural Water Supply Stakeholders.

The Mutale Local Municipality falls within the Luvubu and Letaba Catchment Management Agency (CMA), managed by the Water Services of the Vhembe District Municipality.

The Mutale Water User Association (WUA) maintains and manages irrigation schemes in the area.

The DWA has a regulatory role in catchment and irrigation management.

In Maheni, a pump operator and an assistant are responsible for the groundwater supply comprising the borehole, the pump, the reservoir and other related infrastructure.

4.4.2 Water Stakeholder Interactions

The Mutale Local Municipality is responsible for water service supply to Maheni Community.

Although responsible for groundwater monitoring, the Mutale Local Municipality failed with the function due to lack of capacity and funding.

4.5 Drought Awareness and Coping Mechanisms

Sociological baseline survey analysis indicates that the main impacts of major droughts on communities are:

lack of food,

crop failure,

lack of fodder,

increased livestock disease and mortality

lack of water. These are more intense versions of the general sociological community issues felt during normal dry season periods. 4.5.1 Community Perception of Drought.

Community perception – relates to hydrological drought seen as the following progression:

o not receiving rain at the expected time

o scarcity of rain

o reduced river flow



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o reduced spring, well and borehole yields

o drying up of streams, springs, wells and boreholes

o fodder and food shortages

o famine.

Community definition – a ‘drought’ is a time of no rain, reduced water supply and no food for human and animal consumption. Drought is conceptualised as a long period of dry weather, when no rainfall occurs for many months or even years. When people do not receive rain at an expected period, they believe there would be drought that season.

Impact of drought

o poor supply of water for humans and livestock;

o poor harvest and hunger;

o lack of food and hunger;

o poor health conditions;

o lack of fodder;

o disease and death of livestock;

o lack of water (incl. for livestock).

Impact of prolonged drought

o no supply of water;

o malnutrition resulting from lack of food;

o persistent attack by ailments such as typhoid, cholera, gastro-enteritis;

o poverty;

o death of livestock;

o depletion of biodiversity;

o tourism generated revenue dwindling

4.5.2 Coping Strategies

Strategies for Long Term Drought - normal coping mechanisms collapse; impacts of water and food shortages lead to livestock mortalities. Strategies include:

Adaptations to environment - minimalistic lifestyle for existence in a marginal environment that can cope with ‘short-term drought’.

Use of springs for household use and livestock drinking

Relocation of livestock to places where there would be fodder and water for livestock

Sale of livestock – cattle herd size is viewed much more as a store of wealth and as a symbol of status



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Slaughtering of livestock

Preservation of seeds from previous harvest

Water recycling

Limited quantity of water supply per household

Rainmaking rituals by traditional medical practitioners and the headman/chief

Migration to major towns and villages in search of employment is an option for the younger, more able-bodied members of the community.

4.5.3 Future Drought Mitigation Measures

The community monitoring process will enable the Maheni community to more effectively anticipate the onset of drought induced water shortages. The necessary tools have been provided to enable better water resource management to minimise the impact of a prolonged period of reduced water supply. As detailed in this CWMP, this community management may involve a selective reduction of water usage, the prioritisation of water users, a change in water application for agricultural purposes.



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5. Community Water Management Plan

5.1 Plan Administration

The CWMP is managed and implemented within the new community SMC structure. This structure was developed through a number of sociological interventions undertaken with the Maheni community. These interventions progressed from baseline data collection through needs assessment and awareness training to the formation of a community SMC structure. The structure is specifically designed for the management of the community water supply and the implementation of this Water Management Plan [this process is fully described in the Planning Process Manual].

Experience indicates that projects implemented at community level are likely to be more successful and sustainable if the ownership of the project lies within in the community itself. In addition, participation in decision-making processes and implementation are essential to achieve the anticipated benefits for community members. The SMC has been established by the community with the help of the sociologist for the current programme.

Selection of the SMC During a community gathering, the sociologist advised that the community should elect a Stakeholder Management Committee (SMC), which will work with the SADC team throughout the project phases. The community members nominated Mr. Chabalala to be the first member to serve in the committee because he is the pump operator. He was appointed as the committee chairperson. The second person nominated was Mrs. Nelly Nesherwa, She was nominated to represent the royal family to inform and update the family about SADC project objective, planned interventions and progress. Mr. Rananga was appointed secretary of the committee because he is literate. Mr. Ragimana was appointed the vice chairperson. Other community members appointed were Mr. Makhuba (the vice secretary), Mr Nyadzani, Mrs Khukubila and Mr. Alfred Nyadzani was appointed a representative of learners. Management responsibilities

The Monitoring Unit (MU) (the pump operator and two members of the SMC) is responsible for the monitoring process. They trained to measure water levels in the borehole, determine water quality, and to record these data in a notebook. The school deputy-principal and 15 learners are engaged in the monitoring process, including the measurement of rainfall. 5.3 Community involvement

The community was involved during the finalization of the intervention plans and development of the CWMP and participated during intervention installation. 5.4 Communication and decision making

The SMC, with the help of the school, will submit records of monitoring data to the municipality to plan for future planning and improvement on water service delivery in the community.

5.2 Plan Implementation and Monitoring



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The CWMP for Maheni was implemented by the community and is managed by the Stakeholder Management Committee (SMC). In the context of the CWMP there are two essential aspects to monitoring, namely:

Monitoring the success or otherwise of the implemented interventions to the maintenance or enhancement of community livelihoods during drought through better use of groundwater

Monitoring of environmental (social and physical) impacts resulting from the interventions that have been implemented.

The ‘baseline’ water level will be that observed at the start of monitoring. 5.2.1. The Stakeholder Management Committee The Stakeholder Management Committee (SMC) members appointed are:

Intervention Manager – responsible for any matter regarding the physical interventions

Royal Family Representative (Chief or his representative) – as the top authority in the community they should form part of the committee to be informed about interventions and the water situation in the community.

Mutale Local Municipality Water Services Section Representative – as the water service authority, they will also advise on the planning of activities during the intervention and will also be helpful in fostering community participation.

Ward Council Representative –part of the local authority that liaises with the community to provide support and participation in the interventions

Existing Water Committee Representative – community, formerly had a water committee. The committee will be part of the SMC and will be involved in the groundwater monitoring but also responsible for the continuation of awareness raising activities among the community.

Pump operator – be training in the technical aspects of groundwater monitoring.

Learners Representative – the life orientation teacher in the local school will supervise the learners tasked with data collection.

The SMC will be fully involved in the development and evolution of a CWMP as well as community inputs into intervention implementation. The SMC will mobilize the community to participate in the project.

5.2.2 Physical Monitoring

Physical monitoring measures the indicators of groundwater availability and quality. These in turn provide indications on impending water shortages or issues of the suitability of water for use. The availability of local, shallow groundwater during the dry season, and especially during periods of drought, may well be critical in maintenance of community livelihoods and wellbeing (health, food supply etc).



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The physical indicators monitor the physical impacts of the intervention on the availability and use of groundwater resources are summarised in Table 5.1 below:

Table 5.1 Physical Monitoring Indicators

Physical Monitoring Indicators

Component Parameter Method Where; by Whom

Groundwater

Groundwater level Electrical Water level Dipper Well; Community

Groundwater Abstraction / Delivery

Water flow meter on pump outlet

Well; Community

Climate Rainfall Simple Rain Gauge School; Pupils

Water Quality Total Dissolved Solids Hand held TDS meter Well; Community

5.2.3 Social Monitoring Sociological monitoring will be used to assess the impact of the additional water supply provision and the CWSMP implementation on community development, wellbeing and livelihoods. It will also indicate the viability of rural community water management. Sociological monitoring builds on existing processes such as on-going data collection and other data sources as well as the work of the community. It requires the application of the following fundamental principles:

Use both qualitative and quantitative methods.

Apply community-based, simple, understandable participatory measurement tools.

Invest in community capacity development and training in monitoring approaches.

Incorporate action that informs SMC decision making.

Share the monitoring results with the community. Population Welfare The intervention will have an impact on the quality and quantity of water available in the community and therefore on the population’s welfare which can be monitored by institutions in the village (Table 5.2).

Table 5.2 Monitoring of Population Welfare Indicators

Population Welfare Indicators

Monitored through Means of Verification

Health: Number of diarrhoea occurrences

Periods of illness and numbers of people affected

Maheni Clinic Records

Health: Occurrence of malnutrition and stunting

Nutritional status of children under five years of age

District Health Team Statistics

Water: Need for emergency water supply

Frequency and period of water tankering to village

CWMC records



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Food: Number of emergency feeding programmes

Frequency and period of supplementary feeding/distribution programmes

Maheni Clinic Records School Supplementary feeding programmes

Water Supply

The objective of the interventions is to provide a sustainable and constant water supply to the community. Five main indicators which need to be monitored can be identified based on the physical interventions (Table 5.3):

Table 5.3 Monitoring of Water Supply Indicators

Water Supply Indicators Monitoring Measure

Durability of the borehole

Water level trend

Water quality trend

Sustainability of supply yield

More water available for domestic use

Daily litres abstracted for domestic consumption

Weekly observations (documented in diary)

Document special events

Discussion in regular village meeting

Village observation

Operation and maintenance

Damage to infrastructure

Hygiene around infrastructure




Constant flow / Constant supply of water to communities

Number of shortages

Duration of shortages




Good water quality / constant flow Test water quality, including TDS and nitrate

Observation smell, taste, colour

Tables 5.2 and 5.3, monitoring indicators for population welfare and for water supply are closely linked. The welfare indicators in Table 5.2, health, water and food, are closely dependent on the water supply indicators listed in Table 5.3 which assess the availability of water for domestic use. This linkage between the indicators is the reason why all the different measurements need to be made. The depth to water level in the well, the quality of the water, the amount of water being taken from the well to the tanks all contribute to the overall evaluation of the community wellbeing and allow it to assess whether it is at risk from a shortage of water and food and how this is reflected in health and poverty. These measurements, coupled with of all the other social and physical observations, contribute to the overall assessment of community wellbeing.

5.2.4 Awareness



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The awareness programme for the Plan builds upon activities undertaken during the course of the plan development. This continues to impact upon raising community awareness of the importance of groundwater resources, the impact of certain practices on its pollution as well as the benefits of drought preparedness. Discussion of all these concepts with community members provided a useful basis for developing the indicators for the results to be obtained from the awareness programme. In future the outcome of the awareness programmes (AP) and training should be externally monitored. The following indicators can be used for this (Table 5.4)

Table 5.4 Awareness Programme (AP) Monitoring

Awareness Programme Social Indicator

General Awareness Programme (Stage I)

- Has the general knowledge of the community concerning groundwater, pollution and drought preparedness improved?

- Is the community motivated to adopt positive water management practices? -Have community practices, such as littering and indiscriminate disposal of chemicals, improved? - Has the number of new, environmentally friendly pit latrines being built in the community increased?

Intervention Operation awareness and training

- Has the socio-economic situation of beneficiary/vulnerable households improved?

Intervention Operation awareness and training

- Are the community and Water Committee familiar with the physical intervention and do they know how to maintain and repair it?

5.2.5 Training A groundwater awareness programme was presented to the broader community as well as specifically to the SMC. It followed the guidelines and used the material set out in the Groundwater Awareness Manual developed during the project. Several awareness sessions were held during the implementation process and an awareness/training programme was completed. As part of the intervention implementation process the SMC was provided with equipment with which to conduct the physical monitoring of water supplies [i.e. an electric water level dipper, a hand held water quality (TDS) meter and several direct reading rain gauges] and an awareness/training programme was completed. Specific training for the SMC and their appointed Monitoring Operative (MO) in use of monitoring equipment and documentation of monitoring data was implemented on completion of the physical interventions. Going forward, the community has been encouraged to seek supplementary training from national and regional stakeholders in other aspects related to the sustainability and improvement of the SADC project intervention. Training has specifically been provided in equipment maintenance and general SMC management (record keeping, finance etc). The community has resolved to do this and to improve stakeholder ties as much as possible.

5.2.6 Feedback Mechanisms Data Collection and Reporting



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Monitoring is undertaken and managed by the Monitoring Unit (MU) of the SMC: including the learners, the representative of the existing water committee and the pump operator.

SMC will be told of the role and activities of the MU. The MU members will be trained in monitoring, data recording, data assessment and reporting to the project,.

The MU will visit monitoring sites at least once a week to record measurements. The data will be archived by the Water Committee before dispatch to the project for evaluation. The data will be available to the SMC to take action if indicators reach ‘trigger’ levels.

Rainfall and water quality monitoring can be done by local schools. Data collection can be controlled and documented by teachers enabling children to learn numeracy skills. This method will strengthen the community ownership of intervention and its sustainability.

Data will be collected by the SMC MU. Basic equipment has been provided to the MU to enable data collection, entry, assessment and reporting. The MU will be responsible for data collection, recording, basic assessment, reporting to the SMC at its quarterly meetings, and archiving. The MU will also be tasked with the basic operation and maintenance procedures related to the intervention. The MU will collect data from:

Ground water level monitoring

the school rainfall monitoring programme,

Water quality monitoring

local clinic health status records,

agricultural staff records on arable and livestock production, Data assessment will also involve assessment of project performance against the physical and social indicators. The data collected from the MU as well as from other community level sources will be assessed and compiled into a quarterly monitoring report. The SMC will use this monitoring report to assess overall project performance and to inform its decision-making. The SMC will ensure effective monitoring through observation of the following:

Reduced yield and hence abstraction from the groundwater source over a few days.

Damage, disrepair and malfunction on the physical interventions.

Change in water colour and/or smell.

Livestock and humans fall ill after drinking the water (increase in health problems such as diarrhoea).

Die off or changes in appearance of vegetables/crops irrigated with the water.

Local vegetation die off in the vicinity of the water sources.



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The SMC will also ensure the MU maintains a diary of aspects such as the introduction of any emergency water supply – frequency and period of water tankering to the village.

It is envisaged that brief monitoring reports will be produced following the 3 monthly visits to the community. Such reports will document the internal and external monitoring data, will assess the status and sustainability of the interventions and will form the basis for feedback to the community and other stakeholders.

Stakeholder Feedback

An essential component of this CMWP is enhancement of community ownership and control of both the physical interventions and the water resource. Feed-in and feedback processes, through other established community development forums, are planned through the SMC.

The project tries to enhance the ownership by the village community of the water resource and the monitoring of it. The SMC manages and monitors the interventions and the needs of the population on the other. The SMC meets quarterly to review project progress, achievements, challenges and community concerns as well as the strategies for addressing these. The SMC is the decision-making body on project issues and will ensure effective community consultation on issues of concern. The SMC ensures feedback on these issues. 5.2.7 O and M Plan

The SMC appointed MU is responsible for regular basic operational management and maintenance of the system. The MU reports regularly to the SMC on system performance and maintenance requirements.

5.3 Plan Actions/Strategy

The plan actions/strategy can be broken down into to two key components: triggers and responses. The triggers will be the points at which community actions are required to address the problem of drought and water scarcity. An example might be that the water level in the well has reached a depth that leaves the pump at risk of being exposed to the air, or it might be a point when, for example, over half the community is complaining of stomach disorders.

The responses are the actions that may be executed by the community to mitigate the possibility of increased hardship in times of water scarcity or in response to over use of the resources. The response needs to assist the community to cope with the drought/water scarce period in order to minimise hardship and livelihood loss. The combination of both the actions/strategies and the triggers and responses will result in the better management of the community water resources

5.3.1 Triggers

The SMC will, through the monitoring system, kept aware of the available water resources. The series of triggers identified and modified by ongoing community experience will be used to make decisions regarding the use of water resources. Appropriate triggers can only be learned from experience with the monitored data and critical well levels combined with health, and livelihood indicators will need to be created in due course. This should not be a difficult exercise as the community will recognise the critical conditions in each of these sectors from past experience. It will be the successful integration of the monitored information that will create a meaningful single trigger that may be less easy to arrive at.



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The committee will need to review the data they have gathered in order to recognise potential problems potential problems that may be arising. This review is the community’s ‘early warning system’. Data include groundwater depletion, reduction in water quality or system malfunction. Indicator thresholds will need to be established to initiate a pre-defined community response to address water shortage through system failure.

The most important triggers will be the changes observed and associated with water stress or signals of impending water shortage. The triggers will reflect periods of increasing and decreasing water stress, dependent on the status of the water resources and especially in the early part of the (presumed) rainy season.

5.3.2 Reaction During periods of increasing water stress, the SMC plans to apply restrictions on water use. The Maheni community will prioritise water for domestic use. The SMC will ration and allocate water to the community on the basis of their household size. On completion of the physical intervention in Maheni, groundwater monitoring will be undertaken regularly by the community. Specific low values of water level, abstraction or water quality will need to be identified at which levels the SMC will need to react. Once these have been established by community experience, a structured community action plan will be developed and disseminated to the community. A key principle of the action plan will be that it is for the ultimate benefit of the community and that it will seek to help preserve communal livelihoods during periods of water stress (drought). The SMC anticipates the following actions to ensure the sustainability of water resources:

Restrictions on water use for gardens.

Allocation and rationing of water based on household size.

Relocation of livestock to alternative water sources.

Use of existing social arrangements with owners of private boreholes.

Reliance of government water tankers/supply during shortages and breakdowns.

Restrictions on abstractions from specific sources (e.g. shallow wells).

Restriction of abstraction for non-potable use.

Segregation of potable and non-potable sources to reduce pollution.

Change in agricultural practices (i.e. different, dry land, crops, planting times).

The implementation of the CWMP and the use and further development of the additional water source interventions should be used as a platform to publicise the mandate and role of the SMC to a broader development constituency. Strategic links will also be developed by the SMC with regulatory stakeholders, district and community level institutions whose mandates have some overlaps with that of the SMC. Regular communication on the status of water resources will be shared. The SMC will keep abreast of all existing district level drought monitoring processes to include early warning, risk and impact assessment as well as mitigation and response mechanisms. By so doing, the SMC will have mechanisms through which its own monitoring system and action triggers can be validated.



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6. Plan Proponents

Consultants

John. L. Farr Project Director

Luise Zagst Senior Sociologist

Agnes Rankoana Sociologist

Joel Ntsatsi Hydrogeologist

Community

The table below provides the list of persons who developed this plan and their signatures.

Surname Initials Committee Position

Profession and/or Position in village (chief, kraal head, nurse, priest)

Mr. Chabalala MW SMC chair Pump operator

M. Rananga F Vice chair -

Mr. Ragimana N.R Secretary Educator

Ms Netshwera N Royal family representative

Royal family member

Mr. Makhuvha L Vice secretary -

Ms. Khuguvhila P Additional member -

Mr. Nyadzani A Representative of learners

Administrator

Mr. Nyadzani S Additional member Traditional healer

Mr. Nethsimbufhe A.G Facilitator Educator

Mr. Bidziwe T Municipality representative

Technical manager

Mr. Mishadu D.V Municipality representative

Assistant technical manager

Mr. Tshiololie M DWAF

Director: DWAF Regional Office

Mr. Masakona B VDM

Manager: Water Services- Vhembe District Municipality

Mr. Nethsipale S -



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ANNEX A

Location of Physical Interventions Maheni, Botswana



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Locality map of borehole, pipe-line and standpipes in the Maheni Nodal Area



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ANNEX B

As Built Drawings



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ANNEX C

Equipment Suppliers

– where to obtain parts and batteries etc.

Documents

Commmmuunniittyy WWaaterr aMMan naaggeemmeentt …resources.bgs.ac.uk/sadcreports/sadc2011wellfieldbgsrcmplanmahe… · time-proven techniques and traditional ways of water management