This is despite the municipality being placed under provincial government administration. Decades of neglect have left the Welkom-based local authority grappling with a crumbling sewerage system, non-operational water treatment plants, and ongoing watershedding, all of which severely threaten the health and well-being of residents. 

Power outages, poor roads, questionable billing systems, and a widespread sewage crisis are just some of the compounding issues plaguing the municipality.

More than 80% of street lights are also reported to be non-functional, raising serious safety concerns, particularly for vulnerable communities. 

Opposition parties have repeatedly raised alarm over the deterioration of services in the municipality, calling for urgent action and accountability.

During a media briefing held on Wednesday (3/9), Matjhabeng leadership attempted to reassure residents efforts are being made to address the deepening crisis. The municipality outlined several interventions aimed at restoring basic services and encouraging a culture of payment for municipal services.

One such initiative is “Operation Patala” (Pay), spearheaded by Matjhabeng executive mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha. The campaign is focused on revenue collection, urging residents to pay for services, while also making provisions for those unable to pay to be assisted under the indigent support programme.

In an effort to modernise its infrastructure and curb losses, the municipality has committed R30 million towards the installation of smart meters to replace outdated water and electricity meters.

Matjhabeng Chief Financial Officer Thabo Panyane said there had been noticeable progress in the restoration of pump stations and wastewater treatment infrastructure.

“There was a situation with our sewage where most of our pump stations were not working, and also our wastewater treatment plant. In the past three months, there have been projects of pump stations that have been completed and are fully functional currently. The executive mayor and council have done an official handover of those projects, so the situation has improved as far as the pump stations are concerned; it’s no longer one that is working, it’s way more than that number.”  

Matjhabeng Chief Financial Officer Thabo Panyane at a media briefing held at the municipal headquaters. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi 

He said refurbishment of the wastewater treatment plant is still underway, with support from the department of water and sanitation and the Vaal Central Water Board.

“We want to deal with our entire crisis as far as sewage spillages are concerned. You might notice when you walk around the municipality, we still have issues of sewage, it’s because the projects we are currently implementing are not yet fully complete.”

Sewage spillage just outside an un-operational water treatment plant near G-Hostel in Welkom. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi 

Acting Municipal Manager advocate Lauretta Williams highlighted the urgent need to combat vandalism, which continues to derail service delivery efforts. She condemned the theft and destruction of public infrastructure, particularly sewage networks and electrical cables.

“These criminal acts undermine the municipality and law enforcement agencies are now working closely with the municipality to clamp down on such activities.”

She said interventions were being rolled out to address the issue of dysfunctional street lights, which pose a significant risk to public safety, especially during night hours.

 OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg