MEC Speed Mashilo during the oversight visit to the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
A significant infrastructure project is nearing completion in Amersfoort, located in the Dr Pixley Ka Seme Local Municipality, Mpumalanga.
The R67 million Amersfoort Wastewater Treatment Works project, which has an anticipated completion date of September 2025, is now at 95% completion.
This initiative aims to address long-standing water supply and sanitation issues in the area.
The project recently came under the scrutiny of Mpumalanga Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) MEC, Speed Mashilo, during a surprise oversight visit.
This visit was part of a three-day Provincial Executive Council (EXCO) Outreach Programme designed to accelerate service delivery and ensure that government projects are progressing as planned and that public funds are being used effectively.
The program also seeks to enhance public participation and government accountability.
The MEC was pleased with the progress, expressing confidence that the project would be completed on time and bring reliable water access to the community.
The upgrade and refurbishment of the wastewater treatment plant will enhance its overall performance and improve sanitation services for the community.
The project’s scope includes rehabilitating the existing plant and expanding its capacity from 1 to 3 mega litres. Once complete, the upgraded facility is expected to serve approximately 6,000 households in the surrounding area.
The upgrade is a major relief for the community, as many residents previously relied on septic tanks, which posed significant health and safety risks.
According to Cllr. Teboho Hlakutse, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Technical and Infrastructure Services, the project will restore the “dignity” of residents by enabling them to use flushing toilets without concern.
Acting Head of CoGHSTA, Sam Ngubane, noted that while there were initial challenges, the project has made great progress.
He also emphasized the importance of having skilled personnel to manage the plant daily.
The Premier and his Executive Council are scheduled to interact with the community to discuss service delivery and further strengthen public participation efforts.
On the second day of the EXCO Outreach Programme, MEC Mashilo is set to visit the Upgrading of Informal Settlements project, where he will hand over around 50 title deeds to beneficiaries and engage with stakeholders in Vukuzakhe A and B.
These efforts underscore the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and living conditions for the residents of Dr Pixley Ka Seme Local Municipality.
