The North West delegation to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) has called for urgent, coordinated government intervention to address persistent service delivery failures across the province. The delegation warned that many communities still face unreliable access to essential services despite repeated commitments to improvement.
During a week-long Provincial Week oversight visit, NCOP delegates met with the Office of the Premier, provincial departments, municipalities and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) to assess progress since previous oversight engagements. Although government departments and municipalities reported several interventions, the delegation said improvements have not been sufficiently visible, consistent or impactful for affected communities.
The delegation highlighted ongoing challenges related to water supply, sanitation, road infrastructure, access to medication and other critical services. It said these failures directly affect residents’ dignity, health, safety, education and economic wellbeing, and should not be treated as routine administrative matters.
One of the most serious concerns raised was the continued lack of dependable water supply in some communities. Delegates were informed that certain areas have experienced water shortages since 2015. The delegation stressed that access to water is a constitutional right and warned that prolonged service failures require urgent escalation and accountability from all responsible authorities.
The NCOP delegation noted that many of the challenges appear to be systemic and involve multiple spheres of government. It said matters relating to water services, wastewater infrastructure, municipal capacity, procurement delays and infrastructure maintenance require coordinated responses from municipal, provincial and national authorities. The delegation indicated that unresolved matters could be referred to Parliament’s Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs for further oversight and follow-up.
Delegates emphasised that communities expect tangible improvements rather than promises and presentations. They called for clear implementation plans with measurable commitments, realistic timelines, assigned responsibilities and transparent public reporting on progress and obstacles.
Progress and Concerns from Site Visits
As part of its oversight programme, the delegation visited several project sites across the province.
At the Tshunyane Human Settlements Project, delegates welcomed the appointment of a contractor to complete a housing development that has been stalled for more than a decade. Construction has begun, and the provincial Department of Human Settlements has committed to completing the project by the end of November. Delegation leader and Provincial Whip Ms Sylvia Sithole urged authorities to maintain strict monitoring so beneficiaries can finally occupy their homes.
The delegation also visited Mahikeng Airport, where concerns were raised about the slow pace of efforts to restore the facility to full operation. Delegates said limited progress was visible on the ground and called for accelerated action so the airport can contribute to economic growth and job creation in the province. They noted that the North West continues to experience high unemployment despite its significant mineral, cultural and environmental assets.
Another key concern was the stalled Rooigrond Wastewater Treatment Works project in Mahikeng. Delegates expressed frustration that project costs and milestones have not yet been finalised, warning that continued delays could lead to further deterioration of the facility and significantly higher costs in future. They requested an urgent implementation plan outlining costs, timelines, responsibilities and project milestones, and the matter is expected to be referred for ongoing parliamentary monitoring.
Commitment to Accountability
The delegation reiterated that effective oversight must result in meaningful improvements for communities. It said long-standing service delivery failures require decisive action, measurable outcomes and accountability from all spheres of government, and pledged to continue monitoring progress closely and to ensure unresolved issues are elevated to the appropriate parliamentary structures.
The NCOP delegation will continue its Provincial Week programme with further site visits in Bojanala Local Municipality as it assesses service delivery challenges and progress across the province.
Malatswa Molepo
20 August 2026
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