Mchunu and Mahlobo, flanked by newly elected premier, Bushy Maape, inspected the Brits Water Waste Treatment Plant in the Madibeng Local Municipality in the North West on Monday. The visit by Mchunu and Mahlobo follows the visit in Kroonstad where they inspected the R22 million non-operational Kroonstad wastewater treatment in the Free State on Friday. Deputy Minister Mahlobo raised concerns with the appalling state of the treatment plant and further called for swift action to address the matter. Residents across the province have raised their concerns with the spillage of raw sewage across their streets and homes for some years now, with some of the calls falling on deaf ears whilst the spillages continue to impose a hazardous environment.  

The two ministers and premier were also joined by the Mayor of the municipality, Joseph Ratloi, who committed to hit the ground running in finding a lasting solution to this recurring problem. Several municipalities in the province are in financial distress and dysfunctional and cannot deliver basic and quality services to residents in the province. The water and sanitation issues, which include sewage spillages, have been experienced in several municipalities in the province, including in Ottosdal-based Tswaing Local Municipality, Klerksdorp-based Matlosana Local Municipality, Potchefstroom-based JB Marks Municipality, and Wolmaransstad-based Maquassi Hills Local Municipality, among others.

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