Who should pay for water services and why? A typology of justifications for non-payment in eThekwini Municipal Area

Abstract

Water is widely considered to be a basic need, a human right, a resource and a gift from nature, yet there are costs associated with providing it. As states seek to ensure access, controversies remain over water service type, ownership and funding. This paper traces debates over equity, access and costs, and points to a gap between justice-oriented debates and more quantitative studies of non-payment. We respond to this gap by considering the ethical, political and social dimensions of payment, as well as framing it as a relational practice connected to reliable provision. Drawing on surveys, focus groups and interviews from eThekwini Municipal Area – where the legacy of colonialism and apartheid continues to shape material inequality and political positions – we develop a typology for understanding beliefs and practices about payment for water services. Our mixed methods approach enables us to highlight that payment is relational, social and political, and is constructed through conflicting narratives. We consider both the value of a heuristic set of categories and the difficulties of drawing sharp distinctions between the reasons for non-payment. We conclude by reflecting on the difficulty and importance of integrating diverse economic, political economic, and ethical arguments around payment for services.