The R150 million is part of the "committed budget" that the department has committed itself to use to assist the municipality, which amounts to R425 million. The millions allocated to the current financial year will be used to repair and refurbish some of the 11 wastewater treatment works (WWTW), some of the 57 pump stations and some of the 25 929 manholes. A total of 51 of the pump stations and 9 WWTWs are currently not functional due to theft, vandalism, illegal mining activities, misuse of sewerage, ageing infrastructure, and illegal mining.

The minister responsible for the department, Senzo Mchunu, has recently visited the municipality based in Welkom, to check on the progress of repairs. According to the department's media statement, Mchunu expressed how impressed he is with the work done thus far, adding that it was important to rehabilitate the municipality to once again be an economically active municipality. Mchunu also promised that they will be keeping a close eye to ensure that the money is used correctly for the benefit of the people of Matjhabeng. “We are going to make sure that the money we allocated is going where it is meant to go, that the entire budget does what it is meant to do”.  

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The minister was accompanied by the Mayor of Matjhabeng, Thanduxolo Khalipha, and the Bloem Water Board Chairperson, Tefetso Phitsane. The Water Board was appointed as the implementing agent after the municipality declared itself a disaster area due to sewerage problems and dysfunctional wastewater treatment plants. The Lakeview Pump Station was refurbished through a partnership with Sibanye Mine. The pump station currently pumps 6 megalitres of water per day, feeding into Theronia WWTW where Mchunu also went to check the progress. The WWTW began operations on 2 November 2022 and progress on the operations will be monitored as more waste is pumped in. Mchunu joined a cleaning campaign led by the municipality and cautioned residents that disposing of waste at non-dumping sites may result in health and environmental hazards.

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Khalipha expressed his gratitude to the minister and the department for their intervention. “After informing Minister Mchunu, within 7 days he acknowledged our letter and made a commitment to intervene in the Matjhabeng challenges,” said Khalipha. Mchunu also thanked Sibanye Mine for stepping in to help where the municipality was failing. “We are very happy with these partnerships as we work and commit 50/50 with the private sector. We both watch each other - whether we are delivering on our commitments and agreements,” the minister emphasised.

In conclusion, he urged the community to use water sparingly. “South Africa does not have a water crisis but is a water scarce country.”

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