Evaluating political accountability in water projects with the aim of determining the impact of political accountability on project sustainability.
Date
2009-03
Authors
Bezuidenhout, Lydia
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
The study investigated what the degree of political accountability is in water
projects as practiced by project implementers. The evaluation was also aimed
at determining the impact of political accountability on project sustainability. In
order to evaluate the question, field research was conducted. Field research
was of a quantitative nature, using a questionnaire. This involved (a) selecting
two systems (project implementers, a municipality and a non-governmental
organisation) where the systems’ political accountability within water projects
could be compared, and (b) interviewing community respondents from a set
questionnaire in four villages. The main findings are that (i) the level of
political accountability in water projects depends on the system implementing
a water project, (ii) three elements of political accountability (responsibility,
information, and inclusion) differ significantly between the two systems, and
(iii) political accountability has a significant impact on project sustainability. It
is recommended that project implementers take into consideration the
identified three elements of political accountability in order to improve project
sustainability.
Description
Thesis (MA (Political Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009.
Keywords
Theses -- Political science, Dissertations -- Political science