R1.9 billion boost for North West water projects

North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi has outlined a series of targeted interventions to stabilise struggling municipalities, strengthen governance and accelerate infrastructure delivery, with water provision emerging as a central priority.

Speaking during his State of the Province Address, Mokgosi announced that R1.9 billion has been earmarked for ongoing bulk water supply projects in Madibeng, Ratlou, Mahikeng and Ramotshere Moiloa, underlining the scale of the province’s infrastructure push.

He said progress is already being recorded on several projects across the province.

“We are already making progress with the construction and completion of various water projects in our communities,” he said.

In Mahikeng, a contractor has been appointed to tackle persistent sewer spillages in Seweding Village. Mokgosi issued a public apology to residents, attributing the delays partly to vandalism and criminal activity.

“We take this opportunity to profusely apologise to our residents for this setback,” he said, confirming the matter has been reported to the South African Police Service.

The premier also pointed to the upgraded bulk water supply scheme in Rustenburg, which is expected to expand access in surrounding villages.

“The second phase of the project is scheduled to commence next month to ensure an uninterrupted supply of water to over one hundred and forty thousand residents,” he said.

The project is being implemented by Magalies Water in partnership with Glencore’s Rhovan mine, which Mokgosi said demonstrates how Social Labour Plans can support local economic development.

Operation Bulela Metsi remains a flagship intervention, with close to R300 million already spent on water and sanitation projects in Maquassi Hills, Moretele and Taung.

“To date, we have spent close to R300 million on water and sanitation projects,” he said.

Mokgosi also confirmed that the provincial government will invoke constitutional mechanisms to boost capacity in underperforming municipalities, particularly to support infrastructure delivery.

“Hon Members, we will be introducing Section 154 of the Constitution in identified municipalities to strengthen their capacity in areas such as waste management and road maintenance,” he said.

Ditsobotla and Matlosana will be the first municipalities to receive support, with provincial departments working alongside national and sector partners.

“The Departments of Public Works and Roads, as well as Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, will be seized with the responsibility to assist,” Mokgosi said, adding that cooperation will include working with the South African National Roads Agency and farmers’ organisations.

He further revealed that Section 106 investigations into alleged maladministration at Matlosana, Madibeng and Tswaing have been finalised, with remedial actions already being implemented.

“In relation to Matlosana, we are using other various legislative measures to stabilise the municipality,” he said, noting the emphasis on administrative stability and financial accountability.

To ease energy pressures at the local level, Mokgosi said Eskom will support municipalities grappling with load reduction challenges through energy efficiency and demand management grants. Further details, he said, will be provided by Finance MEC Motlalepula Rosho during the provincial budget speech.

The premier also highlighted cooperative governance efforts through the “Adopt a Municipality” programme. Under the initiative, Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality has signed a memorandum of cooperation with Infrastructure South Africa.

“In the next twenty-four months, the municipality will be working hand in glove with ISA to roll out various projects to fast-track infrastructure development, enhance technical capacity, revenue collection and address maintenance backlogs,” he said.

Mokgosi added that resolutions from the Provincial Local Government Kgotha-Kgothe will guide the province’s 2026/27 Programme of Action, supported by monitoring mechanisms and a newly developed performance dashboard to track key infrastructure deliverables.

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