Matjhabeng Municipality continues to grapple with severe infrastructure challenges, crippling its ability to deliver essential services, such as water and sanitation.

Decades of neglect have left the Welkom-based local authority with a crumbling sewerage system and nonoperational water treatment plants, threatening the health and well-being of residents due to a lack of water supply.

Acting Mayor Hlobohang Mokhomo painted a picture of the dire situation during a recent presentation to members of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), shedding light on the aged infrastructure, financial constraints, and rampant vandalism that have contributed to the crisis. The municipality’s sewage network, spanning 1,543km, is in a state of collapse, with many of the pipelines deteriorating beyond repair.

“The geographical terrain of Matjhabeng adds another layer of complexity, as much of the sewerage infrastructure is located deep underground, making maintenance difficult and costly. The backlog with the sewerage system’s maintenance, coupled with vandalism and infiltration of drain holes, has worsened the situation,” he said.

The infrastructure is in such a poor condition, replacing damaged sections has become nearly impossible, exacerbating the sewage overflow issues plaguing many parts of the municipality.

Mokhomo further indicated that on top of the collapsing sewerage infrastructure, Matjhabeng’s water treatment plants are also in a state of disrepair. Out of the eleven water treatment plants in the municipality, nine are in urgent need of refurbishments. 

The municipality also faces challenges with its 57 pump stations, with 52 currently non-operational and undergoing repairs. In total, 44 pump stations have been earmarked for refurbishment, further highlighting the extent of the infrastructure crisis.

Half a billion needed

Mokhomo said theft and vandalism of infrastructure are costing Matjhabeng an estimated R30 million annually, further straining its already limited resources. According to Mokhomo, rectifying the sewerage and water treatment infrastructure will require R575 million, and an additional R10 million is needed for network management and control.

“The Department of Water and Sanitation stepped in, appointing Vaal Central Water as the implementing agent for sanitation infrastructure projects in Matjhabeng. However, the project, initiated in 2022, has been slow to progress with some infrastructure left nonoperational for more than a decade.”

The financial woes of Matjhabeng extend beyond infrastructure repairs. It owes Vaal Central Water more than R6 billion, a debt that has left the water board on the brink of collapse. Matjhabeng also owes Eskom R5.8 billion in unpaid electricity bills. 

The lack of payment from Matjhabeng and other Free State municipalities has pushed essential service providers like Vaal Central Water to the edge, jeopardising the water supply to residents elsewhere in the province.

Mokhomo said the electrical infrastructure in Matjhabeng is also in a dire state, emphasising the need for capital investment.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg