Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina handed over 22 refurbished wastewater infrastructure projects in Matjhabeng Local Municipality on March 22, 2026. These include the upgraded Thabong Wastewater Treatment Works and 22 pump stations in Welkom and Odendaalsrus. Residents of the area have faced long-standing sanitation crises from sewer spills. This handover boosts the Matjhabeng wastewater systems. It took place on World Water Day and helps restore essential services. (SAnews.gov.za)
Majodina led the event. Deputy Ministers David Mahlobo, Sello Seitlholo, and Seiso Mohai joined her. Free State MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and Human Settlements Saki Mokoena attended. Lejweleputswa District Executive Mayor Veronica Ntakumbana was there. Matjhabeng Executive Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha also took part. The handover marked a key step in government efforts. (SAnews.gov.za)
Matjhabeng has dealt with severe sanitation problems for years. Poor maintenance and vandalism caused the issues. At the worst point, nine of 11 wastewater treatment works failed. Forty-two pump stations stopped working. More than 400 kilometers of sewer networks got blocked or broken. This led to sewage overflows in towns like Welkom, Virginia, Allanridge, Ventersburg, Odendaalsrus, and Hennenman. (SAnews.gov.za)
The Department of Water and Sanitation acted in 2022. It issued a directive for fixes. The department pledged R4.2 billion over five years through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant. Vaal Central Water handles the work as the main agent. This program targets the Matjhabeng wastewater systems. It runs alongside fixes to the municipality’s internal sewer lines. (SAnews.gov.za)
The projects have used R1.2 billion so far. Progress stands at 46 percent. Majodina said the work restores dignity to people, especially women and girls.
“Today’s handover is not a demonstration of pieces of engineering, but a reaffirmation of and restoration of dignity, responsibility over environment and protection of our water resources,” Majodina said. (SAnews.gov.za)
The event fits Human Rights Month and National Water Month. Access to water and sanitation is a basic right. Majodina urged communities to protect the new setups. Seiso Mohai warned against vandalism. He said the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster will add safeguards. (SAnews.gov.za)
MEC Mokoena noted the end of street sewage flows. This helps new housing areas. Mayor Khalipha said it builds trust with residents and investors.
“We have not only seen a commitment from both the national and provincial governments, but we have seen a huge investment to ensure that this rehabilitative work of the infrastructure is carried out, and already, we can see the improvement in solving the problem of sewer spillages in our communities. This intervention will assist in proving investor confidence to our municipality,” Khalipha said. (SAnews.gov.za)
Khalipha called on residents to pay for services. This ensures the systems last. It covers bills to Eskom and others. (SAnews.gov.za)
Work continues on the refurbishments. The municipality also fixes its internal sewers at the same time. Mohai announced stronger protection plans. Khalipha stressed payments for ongoing success. All details come from verified reports. (SAnews.gov.za)
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