By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – The Maluti-a-Phofung (MAP) local municipality council strongly criticised Vaal Central Water and the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) during its ordinary sitting at the Bluegumbosch Multipurpose Centre on Thursday, 28 August.
This follows a report by the department’s provincial head, Dr Tseliso Ntili, on the status of 14 water projects and sewage treatment plant projects in the municipality.
Dr Ntili reported to council that despite minor hiccups, there has been a lot of progress in the projects, with some 100% completed, referencing the Makholokoeng Sewerage Pump Station, as well as 74% progress on the Makholokoeng bulk and sewer network.
He further indicated that phase 2 of the construction of sewer reticulation at Namahadi is standing at 61% completion.
Currently, there are 14 water projects and seven sewage treatment works projects running across several rural villages in various wards. However, this has not impressed the council, who remain dissatisfied.
Council Speaker, Mandlenkosi Dlamini, instructed Vaal Central and DWS to stop bypassing ward councillors in project implementation.
“From now on, going forward, you must involve ward councillors so that they can also report monthly to my office as to why there is no water for residents. Today you table a report which, as you hear for yourselves, councillors do not agree with, because it is not a reflection of the situation on the ground,” Dlamini said.
He further criticized the lack of accountability for funds allocated in previous years.
“There was R98 million in 2016, no report until now, no one can account. In 2019, there was R202 million and still no report. Recently, R2 billion was given, and we still have no progress reports. Now we are talking about R100 billion for 14 projects and seven sewage treatment works. As this council, we need reports so that we can also report to COGTA and others,” he said.
MAP16’s Paratlane Motloung did not hold back, putting it on record that the party does not see or feel any impact of these projects. “We feel no relief or lifting of pressure on our shoulders to bring hope that all the challenges will be addressed, nothing at all, just more problems,” Motloung said.
The opposition, represented by the EFF’s Chickota Mkhwanazi, shared the same sentiments, highlighting the lack of working relationships between Vaal Central, MAPWater, and the council as the main problem.
“Look, Vaal Central think they are doing us a favour, but I am scared that if they continue like this, soon and very soon, councillors’ houses will be up in smoke because of residents’ anger over the lack of water supply,” Mkhwanazi warned.
Other parties including SA Ruling Congress (SARKO), DPSA, and DA also expressed similar frustrations, stating that it is time Vaal Central worked hand in hand with the municipal entity MAPWater, as well as with traditional leaders.
Executive Mayor Malekula Melato acknowledged both the work done and the challenges faced, calling for a clear action plan and prioritisation of projects for faster, more effective impact.
“Indeed, a lot has been done. As the municipality, we acknowledge that we were found wanting because of the relationship between Vaal Central and the entity,” Melato said.
She added that while Vaal Central’s support remains necessary, MAPWater currently does not have the capacity to carry the workload alone.
“The biggest challenge we face as a municipality now is sewerage spillage, which relates directly to our sewage treatment works,” Melato concluded.
One Response
Map Water has been desolved. Why keep refering to them. They the main reason MAP is in this position.
MAP should also admit their part in this mess!