22/09/2026
ALFRED NZO DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY STRENGTHENS RESPONSE TO WATER CHALLENGES ACROSS THE DISTRICT
The Alfred Nzo District Municipality (ANDM) acknowledges the water supply challenges being experienced in parts of the District and assures communities that interventions are being implemented to stabilise current systems while strengthening long-term water security.
In Matatiele Local Municipality, particularly Wards 19 & 20, recent heavy rainfall resulted in high volumes of incoming flow at the Matatiele Water Treatment Works (WTW), causing elevated turbidity and affecting the treatment process.
ANDM Municipal Manager, Mr Zamile Sikhundla, said the technical team responded to the challenge by balancing the flow and chemical treatment process.
“The team has successfully completed the exercise to balance the flow and chemical treatment at the Matatiele Water Treatment Works, and water supply has been restored to normal. During the process, low pressure and some discolouration were experienced in areas including the C*D, Buxton Park, Mountain View, Harry Gwala & Dark City. We continue to monitor the system to ensure stability,” said Mr Sikhundla.
Challenges experienced across the District are also linked to ageing and deteriorating infrastructure, water losses, vandalism and theft, as well as weather-related impacts on raw water sources and treatment processes.
During the State of the District Address on 9 July 2026, Executive Mayor Cllr. Tsileng Sobuthongo outlined significant investments in water infrastructure for the 2026/27 financial year. These include R52.4 million for the Greater Mbizana Phase 1B Water Supply Project, R51.5 million for the Mbizana Wards 29 & 30 Water Supply Scheme, R40.8 million for the Ntabankulu Wards 17 & 18 Water Supply Scheme, R39.5 million for the Nyokweni–Bomvini Bulk Water Supply Project and R36.2 million for the Maluti–Ramohlakoana Bulk Water Supply Project.
Further allocations include R35.6 million for the Fobane Sub-Regional Water Supply Project, R28.7 million for the refurbishment and upgrade of Mhleleni Water Treatment Works and R17.6 million for the Tholamela Regional Water Supply Scheme Phase 2.
ANDM is also strengthening water conservation and demand management through investments of R15 million for water loss mitigation, R8 million for smart water meter replacement and installation, and R5 million for the maintenance and modernisation of telemetry systems.
More than 126 water schemes have been equipped with telemetry systems to support remote monitoring, early detection of faults and improved management of water losses. More than 3,800 prepaid water meters have also been installed in eMaXesibeni, Matatiele and Cedarville, with a further 4,000 meters procured and awaiting installation.
The Municipality has further set aside approximately R70 million for infrastructure maintenance during the 2026/27 financial year, recognising the urgent need to maintain and rehabilitate ageing and deteriorating infrastructure.
ANDM appeals to communities to protect water infrastructure and refrain from vandalism and theft. Those found damaging or stealing municipal infrastructure will be reported to law enforcement agencies.
As ELNINO approaches and the District enters a critical period for water resource management, communities are urged to use water sparingly and responsibly. The Municipality will continue monitoring water reserves and strengthening bulk water infrastructure to improve the reliability and sustainability of water supply across the District.
