A post-project evaluation of the impact of a tarred road project on the livelihood of local residents : a case study of Malamulele region in the Vhembe district

Abstract

Post-project evaluation of road infrastructure development projects in South African rural settlements has so far been insufficient. As a result, there is a scarcity of reliable information on the impact of such developments on rural communities. This serves to undermine future development policies in these communities because inter-departmental initiatives remain uninformed and uncoordinated. With a clear post-project evaluation framework, rural livelihoods are likely to improve. This study sought to investigate the impact of a tarred road on the livelihood of Malamulele residents in the Vhembe District. The research’s major aim was to explore how the tarred road project affected these residents. The secondary objectives were to examine residents’ livelihoods prior to the tarred road project, assess these livelihoods post-project, and make recommendations on how to maximise possible benefits stemming from the project. The study took the form of a case study. It made use of mixed methods to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Primary data was gathered through questionnaires consisting of both open- and closed-ended questions that were distributed to 130 local residents in the Malamulele region. The researcher ensured that the consent of the participants was obtained before collecting the data. The study found that residents are partly satisfied with the impact of the road, as some of their initial challenges have not been addressed. The study revealed that the community still struggles with public transport and is paying high transport fares to access shops and social infrastructure. On the positive side, the community has found the road to be beneficial in terms of accessibility during the rainy season and the elimination of dust.