Abstract

In South Africa more than 12 million people do not have access to clean water and less than half of the rural population has a safe and accessible water supply. The study attempts to investigate the challenges that hinder participation of rural communities in the delivery of a clean water supply. The study looks at the definition of participation, the involvement of the community in decision making, and the role of the planner in the delivery of clean water with a specific focus on the Jeppes Reefs community as case study. The paper closes with recommendations for the future.

Key words: Community, empowerment, participation, project success, water supply.