By Emily Setona
KESTELL – The Free State MEC for Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements, Saki Mokoena, says a R2.5 million cheque to the Khosatsana Manapo Mopeli Water Testing Laboratory in Kestell, will be used to support the accreditation of the laboratory, enabling it to meet both national and international water testing standards.
He said once accredited, the facility will provide certified, reliable, and credible water quality results for municipalities such as Maluti-a-Phofung, Nketoana, Phumelela, and Dihlabeng, all of which depend on its services for water safety assessments.
Mokoena, was accompanied by Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation MEC Zanele Sifuba, Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality Executive Mayor Cllr. Conny Msibi, and Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality Mayor Cllr. Malekula Melato, emphasized that the funding must be used responsibly and transparently to ensure lasting impact.
“This R2.5 million allocation is not just an investment in infrastructure, but an investment in public health and accountability. Accreditation of this laboratory will allow municipalities to make informed decisions based on credible data, improving the quality of water supplied to our people,” said Mokoena.
The MEC further urged the laboratory management and district authorities to ensure that every cent of the funding is used for its intended purpose, warning that mismanagement would undermine public trust and government’s broader goal of ensuring access to clean and safe water for all communities.
Thabo Mofutsanyana District Executive Mayor Cllr. Conny Msibi welcomed the support, noting that accreditation will strengthen the district’s technical capacity to manage water resources more effectively.
“This funding will help us achieve full accreditation, meaning our laboratory results will be recognised nationally. It’s a crucial step forward in ensuring residents across the district receive water that is safe and compliant with health standards,” she said.
The initiative forms part of the provincial government’s ongoing effort to improve municipal performance and ensure that every household in the Free State enjoys access to quality water services.
As the province continues to battle challenges of infrastructure decay and water contamination, the successful use of the R2.5 million funding will serve as a litmus test for responsible governance and effective service delivery in the district.
One Response
How will a laboratory assist the residents of Sehlajaneng and Monontsha who rely on water from the the wells because their have been dry for years. Councils come and go without ensuring that people have water in their taps!
What happened to previous projects that were spear headed by different ministers to address the problem of water in Maluti A Phofung?
Instead water mafias emerged and enriched themselves leaving voters with no water from their taps.
The time is now for residents of Maluti A Phofung to exercise their votes to their benefit