Asivikelane service delivery impacts counter

Impacts counter_Water icon
Water
1528
Impacts counter_Sanitation
SANITATION
1965
Impacts counter_Refuse icon
SOLID WASTE
2325
Impacts counter_R&M icon
Infrastructure
315
Impacts counter_Systems icon
SYSTEMS IMPACTS
39
RESIDENT IMPACTS
16218597

Since March 2020

Briefs & Reports

Managing WASH infrastructure across local governments: a comparative case study of Indonesian, South African and Swiss municipalities

This research, published by the Journal of Public Budgeting, Accounting & Financial Management and co-written by Asivikelane, looks at how local governments manage water, sanitation and health infrastructure, also known as WASH. It highlights common challenges and suggests ways to improve these services so they better meet the needs of communities.

Disaster management: Information on pre-, during- and post-disaster activities

Published by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Asivikelane collaborated on this guide to provide communities with practical information on disaster management before, during and after emergencies such as fires and floods. It outlines the roles and responsibilities of different government departments and explains the steps communities can follow when seeking support after a disaster.

Innovative sanitation solutions for sustainable development

Published by the City of Joburg Human Settlements Department, this publication explores innovative sanitation solutions for informal settlements and contributes to the growing body of knowledge on inclusive, sustainable sanitation options. Our learning paper, which includes practical recommendations for transforming how municipalities manage temporary sanitation, is featured on page 50.

Managing temporary sanitation in informal settlements: Lessons from Asivikelane

The delivery of permanent sanitation infrastructure struggles to keep pace with the rapid growth of informal settlements. Cities rely on short-term solutions while waiting for permanent infrastructure. But “temporary” toilets often last for years, with billions spent on solutions costing more than permanent infrastructure. Based on years of systematic evidence collection and community engagement, we’ve identified six practical recommendations that can transform how municipalities manage temporary sanitation.

2025 Impacts report

Asivikelane aims to connect residents and government by building relationships. Our hubs bring together various groups – including reformers, donors, communities, private companies, and auditors – to tackle service delivery challenges in cities. We take a look at our impact over 2025 and showcase our contributions to improved access to safe drinking water, dignified sanitation, and regular refuse removal. 

How to improve solid waste management in informal settlements

Asivikelane worked with informal settlement residents to create a framework to improve solid waste management. These practical building blocks can help municipalities and communities to work together to improve recycling, composting and waste minimisation.

A quarter of residents still don’t have access to a municipal provided toilet

In March 2025, we asked 5,308 residents across 202 informal settlements in 8 municipalities what type of toilet they use. Only 10% of residents have flush toilets, the remainder use self-dug pit toilets, chemical toilets, Ventilated Improved Pit toilets, porta pottis or bucket toilets.

Improving disaster preparedness = safer communities

In March 2025, we asked 5,308 residents across 202 informal settlements in 8 municipalities what types of disasters they experienced over the past year. Residents experienced floods and fires which leads to loss of homes and belongings as well as illness. Residents asked for early weather warnings, functional communication networks and taps with enough pressure for fires.

Basic training and tools can fix minor faults

In March 2025, we asked 5,308 residents across 202 informal settlements in 8 municipalities about communal services. Even when faults with taps and toilets are reported promptly through official channels, residents struggle to get them fixed. 79% of residents said they would fix services themselves if given tools and basic training.

Residents share solutions to improve waste services

In March 2025, we asked 5,308 residents across 202 informal settlements in 8 municipalities what interventions could improve solid waste management in their settlements. Residents asked for regular waste collection, provision of refuse bags and recycling support.