Central SA
Outdated infrastructure throttles service delivery in Moqhaka─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 15:14 Thu, 21 Nov 2024
Residents of Moqhaka in the Free State must contend with mounting challenges relating to service delivery in the district.
Regular cuts in water supply and sewage spillage are some of the issues which could be attributed to the poor state of essential infrastructure, leaving residents frustrated and underserved.
The municipality has been struggling with water supply interruptions, particularly in Viljoenskroon and Steynsrus. “The root of the problem lies in ageing asbestos water pipes which are prone to leaks and bursts,” said Moqhaka municipal spokesperson Dika Kheswa.
“Constant water interruptions are primarily due to ageing infrastructure. However, when there are burst asbestos pipes, we replace them with more durable PVC lines. This process takes time.”
Widespread sewage spillage is caused by both infrastructural issues and blockages created by residents who dispose of inappropriate materials, such as animal skins and diapers, in the sewerage system.
To overcome these and other service delivery challenges, the municipality has launched several projects:
- Road construction: Various projects are underway. Paving of the Mahabane Road to the tune of R11 million has recently been completed, having created employment for 69 locals and six contractors.
- Water and sewerage infrastructure: A steel reservoir in Brentpark is being constructed to mitigate water shortages in Relebohile and Brentpark. The R16 million project, employing 14 locals and two subcontractors, is expected to be completed by January 2025.
- Bulk water and housing projects: In partnership with the Department of Human Settlements, the municipality is addressing the housing backlog through a project covering 5,300 sites.
“As per our housing analysis conducted last year, around 21,000 people in the area need residential sites. The bulk water and sewerage infrastructure project – a multi-year endeavour – is an important step toward alleviating the housing backlog.”
The municipality has also started work on Canon Street in Brentpark, a R10 million project employing 10 locals and five subcontractors. Kheswa said sustainable service delivery depended on residents paying for services or making arrangements with the municipality when they are unable to do so.
