Question NW124 to the Minister of Water and Sanitation
07 August 2024 - NW124
Michalakis, Mr G to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1) Whether her department currently has any plans to ensure that the new Thabong Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality in the Free State is functional; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether her department has taken any steps to assist the Matjhabeng Local Municipality in Free State to ensure that the contractor is held accountable for the incomplete work on the specified facility; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) what is the total amount that the contractor has been paid to date?
Reply:
1. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has plans to refurbish the Thabong WWTW. The project is divided into two phases and the details thereof are as follows:
- Phase 1a was funded by COGTA though the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) and implemented by the municipality. Phase 1(a) was completed but there were other components that had not been catered for under the scope of MIG. The project costed R63 million. The outstanding scope is being attended under phase 1b through Ministerial intervention.
- Phase 1b is a Ministerial intervention which is funded by the DWS through Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG). The project is intended to complete the outstanding scope to ensure that the Thabong WWTW is functional. The project is under construction and planned for completion in March 2025. The 2024/2025 financial year allocation for this project is R35 million.
2. As indicated above, phase 1(a) of the project was completed and phase 1(b) is still under construction. Completion of phase 1(b) will restore functionality of the plant. The project is being monitored closely through regular site inspections by DWS officials. The following is also being done to facilitate close monitoring of the project:
- Intervention meetings and site inspections have been held with both the contractor and consultant to address any challenges or blockages that hinder progress.
- Weekly stakeholder meetings are convened to keep Matjhabeng abreast about the project.
- Performance of the contractor is managed as per the General Condition of Contract 2015 and unsatisfactory progress will be addressed as per the relevant clauses in the contract.
3. The total amount paid to the contractor by the DWS for phase 1(b) as at the end of June 2024 is R10 million.
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