LUVHENGO, DANIEL MBANGISENI2012-11-202012-11-202012-11-20http://hdl.handle.net/10539/12197MM thesis - P&DMSouth Africa is facing a challenge of sustainable water provision. The country relies on underground as well as surface water. Rainfall is seasonal therefore the availability of water is challenging. The government through the department of water affairs and forestry has initiated several water projects especially in rural areas. Despite the government’s effort to supply its citizens with clean running water through community water projects. These projects fail to sustain themselves hence water provision becomes a challenge. This study sought to establish the challenges facing the sustainability of water provision in rural areas. A qualitative research approach was conducted with Mpheni water project found within the vicinity of Makhado Municipality in Vhembe District in Limpopo Province. The study has found that several factors play a role in the lack of sustainability of water provision. The challenges which led to poor service delivery in the form of water provision were power struggles amongst different stakeholders, illegal connections, non-payment of services, growth or village expansion, theft and vandalism. The study will recommend interventions to promote sustainable water provision in a rural settingenWater servicesWater supplyThesis