The warning was delivered during an oversight visit to the Brits water treatment works in Madibeng, North West, on Monday (22/12). The visit was led by deputy minister of water and sanitation David Mahlobo, accompanied by deputy minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong.

Mahlobo expressed serious concern about the slow pace of progress and stressed that both the Madibeng Local Municipality and the implementing agent, Magalies Water Board, must urgently move to complete the long-delayed project.

“This project cannot remain in a perpetual state of completion. We want a clear efficiency improvement plan that accelerates delivery and ensures proper maintenance of the plant once completed. 

“Communities cannot continue to suffer because of weak planning and poor execution. If delays persist, officials will be held accountable,” said Mahlobo.

The Brits water treatment works is a strategic bulk water supply project funded by the department of water and sanitation through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) and implemented by the Magalies water board. The project forms part of the government’s broader efforts to support water services authorities in fulfilling their constitutional obligation to provide safe, reliable, and dignified water services.

The Brits water treatment project forms part of the government’s broader efforts to support water services. Photo: iStock

Once fully operational, the upgraded plant will increase its water treatment capacity from 60 to 80 megalitres per day. This expansion will strengthen raw water treatment processes, improve pumping and pipeline systems, and enhance distribution to bulk reservoirs. 

More than 75,000 households are expected to benefit, including communities in Letlhabile, Mathotlung, Oukasie, Oskraal, Sonop, Brits CBD, Elansrand, and surrounding industrial zones.

Deputy Minister Morolong emphasised that the timely completion of infrastructure projects is critical to restoring public confidence in government and ensuring that commitments translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives.

The Brits water treatment works is a strategic bulk water supply project implemented by the Magalies water board. Photo: northwestnewspapers

“From the Presidency’s point of view, the completion of projects is non-negotiable. Delays undermine service delivery outcomes and erode public confidence in government. Infrastructure must move from plans and budgets to functioning assets that improve the daily lives of communities,” said Morolong.

Mahlobo further noted that despite the completion of phases one and two of the project in 2020, which included refurbishment of the water treatment works, upgrading of the raw water pump station, and mechanical and electrical works, the project remains unfinished after multiple delays over several years.

He called for the establishment of firm milestones and strict monitoring mechanisms to fast-track the outstanding phases. These include the expansion of the plant’s treatment capacity and the upgrading of final water distribution pipelines leading to command reservoirs.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh