Parliament, Thursday, 20 November 2025 – The Free State permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) have raised serious concern over unfinished Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) projects in the Nketoana Local Municipality.
As part of the NCOP’s annual flagship Provincial Week programme, the delegation conducted oversight visits to various sites across the Thabo Mofutsanyane District Municipality to assess progress in service delivery.
Two major projects – the construction of a 3ML reservoir in Petrus Steyn and the upgrade of the raw water and high-lift pump stations in Reitz – were terminated after contractors failed to complete the work. The municipality, through its legal representatives, is currently pursuing the recovery of funds, with the incomplete projects having cost approximately R42 million to date.
Delegation leader Mr Bheki Radebe expressed strong dissatisfaction, saying it is unacceptable for incompetent companies to be appointed for critical infrastructure projects only for them to abandon the work and later claim financial difficulty. He urged the municipality to “leave no stone unturned” in recovering state funds and to ensure that such companies are blacklisted from future government contracts.
The delegation also inspected the upgrade of the wastewater treatment works in Warden, within the Phumelela Local Municipality. The project was initiated after the existing plant exceeded its operational capacity and could no longer meet required effluent standards. Rapid population growth and increased industrial discharge have caused hydraulic and organic overloading, resulting in frequent system bypasses and regulatory non-compliance. Aging infrastructure and outdated technology have further strained the plant’s ability to meet current and future demand.
The upgrade focuses on expanding treatment capacity and modernising key process units to ensure long-term, sustainable wastewater management. This intervention is critical for supporting future development, addressing sanitation backlogs and protecting public health and the environment.
Valued at R36 million, the project is on schedule for completion in December 2026. During the site visit, the delegation commended the project manager, noting that it was refreshing to observe a project adhering to timelines and budget. They encouraged the team to continue delivering quality work that ensures improved services for the community.
Today, the delegation will continue site visits in Phuthaditjhaba and Bethlehem before concluding the day with a stakeholder engagement session at the Phuthaditjhaba Multi-Purpose Centre. During the engagement, delegates will meet with various stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening the delivery of basic services.
During Provincial Week NCOP delegates return to their provinces to assess progress on the delivery of basic services and to engage with communities on issues affecting their daily lives. The theme for the 2025 programme is “Building Viable Municipalities for Enhanced Delivery of Basic Services to Communities”.
The programme underscores the NCOP’s commitment to strengthening oversight and accountability. In line with Section 42(4) of the Constitution, which mandates the NCOP to represent provincial interests at national level, delegates will hold engagements with the provincial executive and key stakeholders. These interactions aim to identify measures to enhance service delivery, promote accountability and ensure that provincial challenges are effectively escalated to the national sphere.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE FREE STATE LEADER OF DELEGATION TO THE NCOP, MR BHEKI RADEBE.
For media enquiries or interviews with the leader of delegation, please contact the delegation’s Media Officer:
Name: Masego Dlula (Ms)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Cell: 081 715 9398
E-mail: mdlula@parliament.gov.za
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