Abstract
Commercialization of basic services such as, water mainly affects those who are unable to pay for these services, largely rural residents, and informal dwellers. One can also, argue that poor and rural municipalities often do not have adequate infrastructure and proper skills among officials to address poor water provision in their areas. Nevertheless, issues such as, corruption, maladministration and political protection of unskilled and corrupt individuals hinders service provision. This paper, therefore, intends on highlighting hydropolitical issues affecting service delivery in poor municipalities. Lastly, the paper proposes solutions to challenges affecting poor and rural municipalities.