The Matjhabeng Local Municipality has taken decisive action to address the deteriorating sewerage infrastructure in the Welkom area.
Spanning over 1 543 km, the aging system has long been plagued by blockages, vandalism, and disrepair. In response, the municipality has launched a comprehensive rehabilitation and modernisation programme to ensure the future functionality of this vital network.
For more than a decade, Matjhabeng’s sewer system has faced numerous challenges, including neglect, misuse, and natural wear and tear.
“These problems have been worsened by improper waste disposal, vandalism, and invasive tree roots. Financial constraints and the region’s challenging geography have added further complications. With the system now at a breaking point, the need for intervention is both urgent and unavoidable,” says Tshediso Tlali, spokesperson for the Matjhabeng Municipality.
On 15 July 2022, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) appointed Vaal Central Water as the implementing agent for the sewer rehabilitation project in Matjhabeng.
Tlali says this appointment came in response to the growing dysfunction and vandalism affecting sections of the sewer system, marking a significant, though challenging, step forward.
Despite these difficulties, the municipality has introduced several contingency measures, including emergency point repairs, the purchase of two sewer jet trucks, and the hiring of specialised contractors to address urgent issues. Emergency repairs are currently underway in several key areas of Welkom.
In the CBD, efforts are focused on replacing collapsed sewer lines between manholes and addressing blockages to prevent spillage.
Another urgent matter is in Rheeder Park (Lindsay Road), where similar repairs are being conducted to resolve overflow issues in this residential area.
The municipality’s overall rehabilitation strategy is structured into three key focus areas.
Of the municipality’s 11 wastewater treatment works (WWTWs) facilities, eight are slated for refurbishment, with additional funding secured for one more.
Of the 57 pump stations, 44 have been prioritised for repair to restore functionality.
There are 24 refurbishment projects that have been initiated to address the most critical sections on the 1 543 km of pipelines.
In an effort to speed up the response, the Matjhabeng local council declared the sewer crisis a disaster.
“However, this declaration was not recognised under the Disaster Management Act by the minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), limiting the municipality’s ability to expedite procurement processes,” says Tlali.
He says that as a result, the municipality has had to adhere to standard supply chain management protocols, causing delays in the project.
“To fully address the issue, the municipality estimates that R2,281 billion will be required over the next five years. This ambitious plan seeks to modernise the system, prevent future breakdowns, and ensure sustainable sanitation services for all residents.”
Tlali says that despite the ongoing challenges, the municipality has already achieved notable successes. Recently completed projects include the refurbishment of sewer pump stations in Bronville North (ward 11), Vida (ward 28), Eldorie (ward 36), and Western (ward 33).
“These achievements represent important milestones in Matjhabeng’s broader effort to restore and modernise its sewer infrastructure.
“The ultimate goal is to provide all residents with a safe, functional, and sustainable sanitation system, and residents can look forward to their neighbourhoods being free from the threat of raw sewage; while supported by a modern sewer system,” says Tlali.
