Question NW2161 to the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
17 July 2023 - NW2161
Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)Whether the Matjhabeng Local Municipality in the Lejweleputswa district of the Free State has submitted a business plan to Infrastructure South Africa to address the (a) current water crisis and (b) replacement of all old asbestos pipes; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (2) whether any commitments have been made to the specified municipality; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) by what date will such commitments be implemented?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
1. The Matjhabeng Local Municipality in the Lejwaleputswa District in the Free Street submitted their Replacement of old Asbestos Cement and Galvanised Steel pipes project to Infrastructure South Africa. This submission was borne out of the municipality-led feasibility study that was concluded in September 2021. The study indicated that the municipality is experiencing high water losses due to pipe bursts attributable to high network pressures and aging Asbestos Cement and old Galvanised Steel pipe network. The municipality is incurring high costs to repair the old and deteriorated water distribution pipe networks. This infrastructure requires replacement. The total estimated cost for this project is R1.6 billion.
2. This water and sanitation project has been prioritised by Infrastructure South Africa for project preparation and packaging. The Matjhabeng Local Municipality does not have funding allocated for this project. In this regard, Infrastructure South Africa is currently packaging the project to comply with the requirements of the National Treasury’s Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI). Some of the requirements by the BFI includes detailed cost benefit analysis, economic viability assessments, financial modelling and procurement strategy. Infrastructure South Africa, working closely with the municipality, will be submitting the BFI application on or before 14 July 2023, for consideration for funding through this process.