OFM News previously reported that out of 11 treatment plants, only 3 are working, and of the 56 pump stations in the municipality, only 4 are working. The council declared Matjhabeng a disaster and sought assistance from the Ministry of Water and Sanitation. 

The municipal communication officer, Thokozile Nkuna, said the national ministry then committed R524 million while the provincial government pledged R68 million to address the sewerage challenges.

Michalakis has since tabled a motion in Parliament, requesting that the Department of Water and Sanitation, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), along with the Matjhabeng Municipality appear before the committee and present a clear plan and timeline for the upgrade of the infrastructure. This, after stating that 60% of water meant for household usage is lost every day due to failing infrastructure.

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“The Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs must call the departments of Water and Sanitation, Cogta and the municipality to report on the progress made in this regard, a roll-out plan for the project, and measures to ensure that these funds are spent on upgrading the infrastructure of Matjhabeng and doesn’t get wasted or stolen. And finally, that council sends a strong message to both departments and the municipality that the people of Matjhabeng deserve better,” Michalakis added.

The Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) recently approached the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to intervene in the municipality which they claim has failed to clear sewage spillages that have subjected residents to horrible smells and other health hazards. Nkuna previously said that Matjhabeng was buckling under the pressure of collapsed sewerage lines as a result of rubble being thrown into manholes.

OFM News