Exploration of the Sustainable Use of Groundwater in GaMalebogo, Limpopo
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Date
2026
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The IIE
Abstract
Water scarcity is a global challenge that adversely affects agricultural production, livestock farming,
industrial development, and household livelihoods. Although existing research has extensively
examined the impacts of water scarcity on rural livelihoods, planning, and welfare, relatively little
attention has been given to the sustainable use of groundwater to improve domestic potable water
supply in rural communities. Accordingly, this study explores the sustainable use of groundwater to
alleviate water scarcity and shortages in the GaMalebogo rural villages of the Blouberg Local
Municipality, within the Capricorn District Municipality in Limpopo Province.
A qualitative research approach and an exploratory design were used. Sixteen participants were
selected, and a semi-structured guide was employed to collect data. The data analysis was
conducted thematically using Atlas.ti's tools and themes to evaluate groundwater's role in
addressing water scarcity in the GaMalebogo region. Findings revealed that the villages of
GaMalebogo are in an area with a high groundwater table, indicating that groundwater resources
are readily available. Despite this favourable hydrogeological condition, water scarcity persists due
to leaking pipes and taps, inequitable water distribution, and the mismanagement of municipal
resources. As a result, households continue to experience water shortages, which have negatively
affected agricultural and livestock production.
Consequently, it is crucial to implement strategies to address this problem and prevent the
progression towards water insecurity, characterized by inadequate access to clean and safe drinking
water. Furthermore, it was found that villagers who installed private borehole systems maintained a
sustainable groundwater supply, even selling water to other villagers when the municipal water
system failed. The motivation for privately owned boreholes stems from the unreliability of the
municipal borehole water system, which is caused by poor craftsmanship. The municipality's
borehole system, established to support the local population, has proven ineffective, mainly due to
improper installation of the water piping and lack of maintenance of both the machinery and the
piping infrastructure. Given these observations, the municipality should prioritize the maintenance
and rehabilitation of existing boreholes, pipelines, and water infrastructure, while strengthening
oversight and accountability to ensure equitable and reliable water distribution.
Additionally, constructing water reservoirs at strategically chosen locations near villages should be
pursued following a detailed assessment conducted with resident involvement. Moreover, a
comprehensive review and upgrade of the current piping network is necessary to ensure more
reliable, efficient, and sustainable water delivery across all villages.
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Keywords
Groundwater, Borehole, Water scarcity, Villages, Insecurity, Sustainability