A total of 18 out of the 24 Free State municipalities are set to be awarded R877,969,000 for infrastructure projects.

While tabling his departmental budget in the Fourth Raadsaal in Bloemfontein for the 2024/25 financial year, Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements MEC Saki Mokwena said the funding is earmarked for the period from June 2024 to July 2025, aimed at revitalising critical municipal infrastructure.

Mokwena highlighted the importance of this grant in addressing longstanding issues within the province, particularly water and sanitation challenges exacerbated by dilapidated infrastructure and vandalism.

Special attention is being given to municipalities such as Maluti-a-Phofung, Ngwathe, and Matjhabeng. Water Intervention Steering Committees have been established in these areas to tackle the pressing issues of water supply and sanitation.

The Free State has faced significant water-related issues with municipalities like Matjhabeng and Maluti-a-Phofung experiencing severe water supply disruptions. The deteriorated state of roads, lack of waste collection, and sewage spillage across the province also came under scrutiny, prompting immediate attention.

‘Leading to improved water quality for residents’

The recent intervention by the Ministry of Water and Sanitation in Maluti-a-Phofung has yielded promising results, Mokwena said. The refurbishment of the Fika Patso Water Treatment Works has reached practical completion, leading to improved water quality for residents.

Last week, Vaal Central Water spokesperson Lindiwe Mguni warned of impending water supply restrictions affecting Matjhabeng, citing unpaid dues to the Water Board.

Matjhabeng, which owes Eskom R5 billion and Vaal Water Board even more, responded by dismissing the warning and indicating that the dispute would be resolved through arbitration. Mguni confirmed to OFM News that the matter remains sub judicare and will be addressed following legal proceedings.

Despite these ongoing challenges, the ailing municipality recently completed the refurbishment of the Riebeeckstad and Bronville pump stations as part of its efforts to improve water supply and infrastructure resilience.

Free State municipalities faced backlash having failed to utilise their conditional grants. A total of 17 municipalities in the province forfeited R171 million of the allocated conditional grants for the 2022/23 financial year.

Free State ActionSA chairperson, Patricia Kopane, previously said an estimated number of 26 towns in the Free State are without water or have inconsistent water supply due to dilapidated infrastructure. For these municipalities to forfeit the grants is an indictment of the provincial government.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg