Matjhabeng municipality has long battled decades of neglect, leaving it with a failing sewerage system, non-operational water treatment plants, and ongoing watershedding. These challenges have posed serious risks to public health and the environment, prompting repeated calls from opposition parties and communities for urgent action.

On Sunday (22/3) mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha welcomed minister of water and sanitation Pemmy Majodina, alongside deputy ministers David Mahlobo and Sello Seitlholo. They were joined by deputy minister in the presidency for planning, monitoring and evaluation Seiso Mohai, Free State MEC for cooperative governance and traditional affairs and human settlements Saki Mokoena, as well as the CEO of Vaal Central Water.

The handover coincided with World Water Day, underscoring the importance of responsible water and sanitation management.

Speaking to the media, Majodina reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring essential services in the area and called on residents to protect the newly restored infrastructure.

“Matjhabeng has been affected by a lack of service delivery, especially when it comes to water supply and water spillages that have been all over. We are at this plant today as part of 22 projects we are handing over to Matjhabeng. We want to turn around the situation. This is a completed project,” she said.

Several wastewater treatment plants had previously been vandalised to the point of total collapse, stressing that community cooperation would be key to ensuring sustainability, said Majodina.

“These projects are here for communities, not for government. Communities must take care of them,” she added.

After the council adopted a resolution declaring Matjhabeng a disaster area due to persistent infrastructure failures, the national government stepped in and committed more than R4bn over five years to rehabilitate infrastructure and improve service delivery, said Khalipha.

He welcomed the support from both the national and provincial government, describing the handover as a critical milestone in addressing sewer pollution and rebuilding a municipality capable of meeting residents’ needs.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm