Water issues in land redistribution projects : a case study of the Platt Estate redistribution project in KwaZulu-Natal.

Abstract

Land and water are critical resources for rural livelihoods and lie at the heart of rural development. Granting rural people land under the land reform without sufficient water resources is indeed problematic. This dissertation explores rural development with the links between water and land reform, especially within the redistribution processes. The focus is on both accessibility and water quality within transferred land reform projects. The results of a nationally-based study focussing on land redistribution post transfer projects as well as an intensive pre-transfer case study research conducted in Kwazulu-Natal indicate that land redistribution is not effectively considering the water needs of the beneficiaries. Infact, in some instances, the newly resettled communities ' access to water resources have worsened. This dissertation critically analyses and presents the relevant data, specifically highlighting whether land redistribution is addressing the water needs of rural communities. Furthermore, the role of the authorities in terms of providing water to land reform communities is critically appraised. Finally, alternatives, policy and implementation recommendations are forwarded to ensure that the availability and accessibility of water for both productive and reproductive purposes are sufficiently and rigorously considered within land redistribution projects.