The province has undertaken to rebuild infrastructure and address service delivery delays in the Matjhabeng municipality. Public works and infrastructure MEC Dibulelo Kathleen Mance confirmed two of the three primary projects have reached practical completion, with progress exceeding 90%.

These included a school and a clinic, expected to be handed over to the health and education departments, respectively, early in the 2026/2027 financial year. 

A third project is 85% complete. Although it’s faced more delays than the others, the department is working to finalise it within the upcoming financial year to ensure the community gains access to necessary medical services.

“As a department of public works and infrastructure, we are mostly an implementing agent on behalf of different departments. In this particular municipality, which is Matjhabeng, we are implementing about three projects,” said Mance

Addressing imbizo grievances

Concerns were raised by residents during the Matjhabeng social compact imbizo on Thursday (5/2) at the Thabong multipurpose centre in Welkom. They’re frustrated with the slow pace of clinic construction and the impact of unfinished infrastructure on their daily lives.

They also highlighted issues regarding sewer leakages and the vandalism of government property. Mance said when contractors face cash flow issues and leave sites unfinished, they become vulnerable to theft and destruction.

Community members addressing their grievances at Thabong multipurpose centre in Welkom. Photo: Free State department of public works and infrastructure

To address these issues, the department is revising its formal contracts to remove any gaps. This will ensure that only qualified contractors are hired and that all work meets high standards.

“Also, moving forward, we are going to make sure that as we do appointments of contractors, we do proper quality assurance so that we know the people that are appointed are people who will be able to finish the work,” said Mance.

Future youth development

Looking forward, the department is focusing on the expanded public works programme and the artisan development programme.

Mance also intends to conduct monthly site visits personally to ensure contractors remain on schedule and that the quality of work meets provincial standards. This shift aims to prevent the communication gap between officials and the actual progress on the ground.

A more comprehensive provincial plan is expected to be unveiled during the state of the province address on Friday (20/2). Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae will likely outline further interventions for Matjhabeng, particularly concerning the recurring sewage challenges and broader infrastructure recovery.

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OFM News/Refilwe Bekane mvh