Speaking during an oversight visit to the site on Thursday (5/6), Deputy Minister David Mahlobo described the 11-year delay in completing the project as unacceptable, citing incompetence by contractors, poor contract management, and inadequate oversight as the key contributors to the stalling of the multimillion-rand infrastructure upgrade.

The project, valued at over R80 million, is funded through the Department of Water and Sanitation’s (DWS) Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) and is being implemented by the Magalies Water Board. Once completed, the upgraded facility is expected to benefit more than 75,000 households in Brits and surrounding areas by improving the quality and reliability of the water supply.

Mahlobo emphasised the critical need to fast-track the completion of the project, which was initially aimed at increasing the plant’s treatment capacity from 60 megalitres per day (Ml/d) to 80 Ml/d. The upgrade includes refurbishing the existing plant, enhancing the raw water pump station, and expanding the water distribution system to the bulk reservoirs.

Department spokesperson Wisane Mavasa said while the first and second phases – refurbishment of the water treatment works and pump station – were completed in 2020, subsequent phases have dragged on. The third phase, comprising civil works, is now 97% complete, with mechanical and electrical components at 89% and 70%, respectively. The final phase, involving the installation of raw and distribution pipelines, remains in progress.

North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Gaoage Oageng Molapisi, in collaboration with Madibeng Mayor Douglas Maimane, pledged support for an acceleration plan. The plan includes bolstering the on-site workforce to meet the revised completion target of August 2025.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg