23/10/2026
| MBOMBELA |
Mayor hands over title deeds, upgraded sewer pipeline infrastructure in Barberton and paved road in Gutshwa Traditional Council:
The City of Mbombela Executive Mayor, Sibongile Makushe-Mazibuko, today, 22 October 2026, handed over title deeds to 23 beneficiaries in Emjindini Extension 1, Barberton, and an upgraded sewer system serving Emjindi Extensions 11 and 12 in Ward 45.
The handover formed part of the City’s programme of handing over completed projects under the theme “Delivering quality services for a better Mbombela.” The occasion marked important milestones in formalising property ownership and improving sanitation infrastructure for local communities.
Title deeds for Emjindini Extension 1 beneficiaries
The housing development project in Emjindini Extension 1 was initiated by the former Umjindi Municipality before its amalgamation with Mbombela Municipality in August 2016 to form the City of Mbombela.
As part of the development process, land parcels 829 and 831 were identified and subdivided to provide residential stands, business sites and other amenities, supporting the establishment of an integrated human settlement.
With today’s handover, all beneficiaries of the project have now received their title deeds, marking an important milestone in formalising their property ownership.
The City has also included the project in its Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for the provision of bulk infrastructure, linking the settlement’s development to broader municipal infrastructure planning and service delivery priorities.
The sewer upgrade and pipe replacement project at Emjindi Extensions 11 and 12, approximately 5 km north of Barberton, was undertaken to address persistent sewer blockages and overflows that had negatively affected community health, well-being and the surrounding environment.
The City appointed TFC Engineers (Pty) Ltd to provide professional engineering services for the project.
Investigations identified inadequate pipeline gradients, incorrectly aligned pipes, damaged and poorly positioned manholes, defective household connections, and the entry of stormwater, sand and other foreign materials into the sewer network.
The existing northern outfall sewer also lacked sufficient capacity to accommodate the required sewage flows.
The infrastructure improvements included:
Replacement and upgrading of approximately 7.1 km of sewer pipelines, with diameters ranging from 160 mm to 315 mm.
Replacement of 117 manhole lids with lockable covers.
Reconstruction or adjustment of 516 household sewer connections.
Raising or lowering of 44 manholes to improve their levels and accessibility.
Construction of an additional 735 m-long, 315 mm-diameter PVC outfall sewer pipeline, incorporating 15 prefabricated concrete ring manholes, to increase the network’s conveyance capacity.
Relocation or replacement of approximately 5.6 km of water reticulation pipelines, ranging from 75 mm to 160 mm in diameter, to resolve conflicts with the sewer infrastructure.
Construction quality was monitored through inspections of trench dimensions, bedding and backfill compaction, pipeline alignment, manhole installation and the fitting of lockable covers. The completed works were reported to comply with the applicable project specifications and standards.
The project also incorporated community liaison, local labour participation, environmental monitoring, and occupational health and safety oversight.
Community engagement focused on the correct use of the sewer system, including preventing the disposal of foreign objects into manholes and household connections. Measures were also introduced to protect the infrastructure and facilitate future maintenance.
Completion and ongoing maintenance, the sewer project reached practical completion on 30 June 2026, and the Certificate of Completion was issued on 16 July 2026. Record drawings were provided to the City to support future operation and maintenance.
The Municipality remains responsible for operating and maintaining the upgraded infrastructure, while the completed works remain subject to the applicable defects liability period.
The improvements are intended to reduce recurring blockages and sewer overflows, improve service reliability, and contribute to better public health and environmental conditions in Emjindi Extensions 11 and 12.
The day’s programme concluded with the successful handover of a 2.5 km paved road leading to the Gutshwa Traditional Council in Ward 31, Mbombela.
The handover formed part of the City’s programme of delivering completed projects under the theme “Delivering quality services for a better Mbombela.”
