By Libuseng Nyaka
QWAQWA – Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Malekula Melato, announced a slate of ambitious development projects, including the construction of a private hospital in Bluegumbosch, as she tabled the municipality’s R2.6 billion budget for the 2025/2026 financial year.
The announcement was made during a council sitting at the Phuthaditjhaba Multi-Purpose Hall on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Mayor Melato revealed an operating revenue of R2.4 billion and an operating deficit of R230.5 million.
“One of the projects coming soon is the private hospital in Bluegumbosch, which has already been approved by the Department of Health,” said Melato.
In addition to the hospital, Melato outlined plans for the municipality to explore a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to develop a mixed-use township. The proposed development will accommodate low- to medium-high-income earners and incorporate amenities such as schools, healthcare facilities, recreational parks, businesses, and offices.
“We will develop new township and residential projects to address the major housing challenges within the municipality,” she said. “Both the Qwaqwa Gateway and Harrismith Smart City projects are starting in earnest. Several areas are currently under review by the Surveyor-General and will soon be formalised.”
Melato announced a capital budget of R299.2 million, sourced from R286.4 million in grants and R30.2 million from municipal revenue. She also highlighted several key infrastructure investments.
“We are investing boldly in infrastructure that communities can see, touch, and benefit from,” she said.
A total of R63.5 million has been allocated to water and sanitation upgrades in Tlholong, Kestell — where a project in Extension 4 is nearing completion — Ha Sethunya (Phase 2), which is budgeted at R14.6 million, and Tshiame and Makholokoeng, where R41 million has been allocated through the Water and Sanitation Infrastructure Grant (WSIG).
For electricity infrastructure, R39.9 million will go toward rural electrification through the upgrade of the Elizabeth Ross substation. This aims to relieve pressure on the overburdened Moteka substation and improve supply to areas including Phamong, Lusaka, Naledi, Boiketlo, Ha Rankopane, Senyamo, and Bolata.
Road rehabilitation has been allocated R51.3 million, with focus areas including Makwane Phase 1, Qoqolosing, Intabazwe, and Fika Patso.
On sports and community amenities, Melato announced upgrades worth R13.2 million for Charles Mopeli and Platberg Stadiums to support township sports and recreation.
Reaffirming the municipality’s commitment to social support, Melato emphasized the continuation of the indigent policy.
“We continue to protect the vulnerable, and we encourage qualifying households to register,” she said. Benefits under the policy include:
* 50kWh of free electricity per month
* 6kl of free water per month
* 100% subsidy on refuse and sanitation
* Rebates on property rates
Melato also highlighted the municipality’s debt incentive scheme, which offers a 50% discount to businesses, households, schools, farms, and churches. The scheme is set to end on June 30, 2025.
6 Responses
Dear Maluti A Phofung Municipality,
I hope this message finds you well.
I am writing on behalf of the residents of Tshiame A to express our deep concern regarding the lack of infrastructure development in our area over the past years. Since 2009, we have seen little to no improvement or investment in essential services and infrastructure in Tshiame A, which has significantly impacted our quality of life.
Despite this, residents continue to fulfill their civic duties by paying taxes and rates monthly. We believe it is only fair and just that our area receives its fair share of development and upgrades, just as other areas within the municipality have been prioritized.
We kindly urge the municipality to take our concerns seriously and to prioritize infrastructure improvements in Tshiame A. It has been 16 years of patience, and we seek your immediate attention to this matter to ensure equitable treatment and development for all residents.
Thank you for your understanding and prompt action.
Where is Makwane 1
Mosebetsi omotle realebowa debusiness tsarona ditlahola from xeiisilo constuction Thanks
When are they fixing tsheseng substation
Recreational parks thereafter they won’t be kept clean by the same municipality
Keep it the good work make our place better changing our lives to the fullest 🙏