The Free State provincial government has taken a decisive step towards addressing the province’s deepening water and sanitation crisis through a high-level investment and infrastructure mission to China, with Dihlabeng Local Municipality part of the delegation.
Representing Dihlabeng are Tseki Tseki, Executive Mayor, and Lungile Mokotedi, Technical Director. Led by Saki Mokoena, MEC for Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements (Coghsta), the delegation traveled to Shanghai and Jiangsu Province in the People’s Republic of China to explore advanced infrastructure solutions aimed at improving municipal service delivery in the Free State.
Securing innovative and sustainable solutions
The mission aims to benchmark international best practices and unlock investment opportunities within the water and sanitation sector, particularly in the areas of wastewater treatment and bulk infrastructure development.
Provincial officials said the visit was part of efforts to find innovative and sustainable solutions to the increasing infrastructure challenges facing municipalities. During the visit, the delegation spoke with Chinese government officials, infrastructure specialists and private sector investors in a series of strategic discussions on water security, sanitation technology and long-term infrastructure sustainability.
The delegation also visited advanced wastewater treatment plants and factories specializing in modern water treatment and recycling systems. Officials were introduced to a range of modular wastewater treatment technologies designed to meet the demands of fast-growing municipalities while improving efficiency, environmental compliance and long-term sustainability. The technologies are considered potential game changers for aging infrastructure, water loss and inadequate sanitation.
Faced with enormous pressure
Mokoena said municipalities remain under enormous pressure due to deteriorating infrastructure, population growth and increasing demand for reliable basic services.
“This mission has provided the province with valuable insight into practical and innovative infrastructure solutions that can significantly strengthen service delivery, accelerate infrastructure development and improve the quality of life in communities across the Free State,” Mokoena said.
The provincial government described the visit as a crucial milestone in its efforts to attract international investments, strengthen technical partnerships and implement sustainable infrastructure solutions aimed at improving water security and sanitation across the province.
Madli Grobbelaar
novanews.co.za