FREE STATE NCOP DELEGATES WORRIED ABOUT UNFINISHED WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROJECTS

NCOP Delegate Bheki Radebe

By: Neo Ntsele

The permanent delegates from the Free State to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) have raised concerns about incomplete Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) projects in the Nketoana Local Municipality.

During the NCOP’s annual Provincial Week programme, the delegation visited sites in the Thabo Mofutsanyane District Municipality on Thursday, the 20th, to assess service delivery progress.

Two major projects – a 3ML reservoir in Petrus Steyn and upgrades to pump stations in Reitz – were halted when contractors failed to complete them.

The municipality is working to recover approximately R42 million in costs through legal means.

Delegation leader Bheki Radebe criticised the hiring of incompetent companies for crucial projects, urging the municipality to recover funds and ban such companies from future contracts.

The delegation also reviewed the upgrade of the wastewater treatment works in Warden, Phumelela Local Municipality, which addresses overloading due to population growth and industrial discharge.

The R36 million project aims to expand capacity and modernise systems, ensuring sustainable wastewater management.

It is set for completion in December 2026.

The project manager was commended for adhering to timelines and budget, with encouragement to continue delivering quality work.

The delegation visited Phuthaditjhaba and Bethlehem, ending with a stakeholder engagement session to discuss enhancing basic service delivery.

During Provincial Week, NCOP delegates assess basic service delivery and engage with communities.

The 2025 theme is “Building Viable Municipalities for Enhanced Delivery of Basic Services to Communities,” highlighting the NCOP’s commitment to oversight and accountability.

In line with Section 42(4) of the Constitution, delegates will engage with provincial executives and stakeholders to improve service delivery, promote accountability, and address provincial challenges at the national level.