Service delivery remains a major challenge across the Southern African Development Community (SADC), with cities such as Johannesburg, Dar es Salaam, Harare, Luanda and Lusaka grappling with water and electricity losses, financial mismanagement and corruption.

Rapid urbanisation and the growth of informal settlements are also placing increasing pressure on existing water, waste and energy infrastructure.

The University of Johannesburg's Centre for Applied Research and Innovation in the Built Environment says artificial intelligence and digital technologies could enable predictive maintenance and strengthen municipal service delivery.

It adds that blockchain technology and big data analytics could reduce red tape, improve tender tracking and minimise corruption risks in public spending. 

Lulu Gaboo spoke to Professor Innocent Musonda, Director of the Centre for Applied Research and Innovation in the Built Environment (CARINBE) at the University of Johannesburg....