Effectiveness of infrastructure projects in improving the livelihoods of communities in the City of Tshwane : a case of region 1, Gauteng Province, South Africa

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to evaluate infrastructure projects in improving the livelihoods of Mabopane community, with specific reference to region 1 in the City of Tshwane. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews with the 20 sampled participants. This study used tables and graphs to analyze data collected using a qualitative research method. In addition, the researcher developed themes to analyze and interpret the raw data acquired from recordings and interview transcripts. Findings of the research shows that infrastructure development initiatives provided by Tshwane Municipality has improved the quality of lives for communities in Mobopane by creating jobs that enabled them to afford basic needs, take their children to schools and the provision of commercial market stalls for their local business initiatives that enables formal trading. However, more work needs to be done through government intervention programs to sustain the local Economic Development (LED) that are set up to increase local economic growth and household income. The study further reveals the importance of the amount of money households receive from community infrastructure projects which determines their ability to change the socioeconomic standards of their community. However, the research findings indicate that synchronising government processes for services intended to raise community standards of living is important, and if done poorly, it may even be a hindrance to the expansion of local business efforts. Nevertheless, the results of this study can be used as a starting point for future research and as a guide for policymakers in the study area when it comes to infrastructure initiatives that would improve the livelihoods of communities and possibly for other South African municipalities.