Mbombela — Mpumalanga permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) have urged decisive action against contractors who delay or abandon infrastructure projects after an oversight visit to Thaba Chweu Local Municipality.
Oversight visit highlights mixed progress
During a follow-up visit as part of the NCOP’s Provincial Week to assess implementation since 2024, delegates inspected the Mashishing Waste Water Treatment Plant and a linked sewer line. The treatment plant, which the delegation heard had been around 40% complete in 2024, is now reported to be in operation following the termination of the first contractor.
By contrast, the sewer line project showed no evident progress since the NCOP’s last visit in 2024. Delegates said the contractor had a pattern of disappearing from site and returning without explanation. The contractor told the delegation the delays were caused by geotechnical challenges encountered on site, including hard rock and underground water.
“The department must come up with a plan to make sure this work is completed by the end of the year,”
The comments were attributed to Ms Sylvia Nxumalo, leader of the Mpumalanga NCOP delegation, who welcomed completion of the treatment plant but expressed frustration at the stalled sewer line.
Delegation recommends blacklisting through construction regulator
Delegates welcomed the provincial government’s decision to terminate contractors who failed to deliver, but argued that termination alone is not sufficient. They recommended that contractors who miss deadlines or disappear from sites should be blacklisted through the Construction Industry Development Board (CIBD) to prevent them from undermining other projects in the province.
The delegation discussed the need for departments to follow existing rules and legislation that guide responses to contractors who do not complete work, whether due to mismanagement of funds or poor workmanship.
Project snapshot
| Project | Status (as reported) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mashishing Waste Water Treatment Plant | Complete / in operation | Was ~40% complete in 2024; contractor terminated, new contractor completed works |
| Sewer line (Thaba Chweu) | Stalled | No visible progress since 2024; contractor cited geotechnical issues |
Local impact and accountability
Stalled sewer and sanitation projects carry direct consequences for local residents and the environment: incomplete bulk infrastructure can limit service provision, cause prolonged disruption and raise the risk of pollution. The NCOP’s attention to these works reflects persistent concerns about contractor performance and project management within municipalities across the province.
- Accountability: Delegates pressed departments to apply procurement and contract-management rules strictly when contractors underperform.
- Sanctions: Blacklisting through the CIBD was suggested to prevent repeat engagement of problematic contractors on other projects.
- Deliverables: The delegation expects departments to produce a concrete plan to finish the sewer line by the end of the year.
The NCOP’s follow-up forms part of a wider oversight effort begun in 2024 to monitor progress on essential municipal infrastructure. Terminating a contract may bring a project back on track, but delegates emphasised that termination must be paired with measures that protect the public purse and discourage poor performance.
Next steps
The delegation encouraged the relevant provincial department and the municipality to outline a clear recovery plan, including timelines and budgetary implications, and to ensure that any replacement contractor is vetted to avoid repeating the same failures. The NCOP has called for adherence to statutory procedures when pursuing sanctions such as blacklisting.
Residents and community representatives in Thaba Chweu will be watching closely for the department’s plan and for tangible progress on the sewer line before the end of the year. The completion of the Mashishing treatment plant was noted as a positive outcome, but delegates stressed that consistent delivery across linked projects remains essential to restore public confidence in municipal infrastructure delivery.
Reporting from Mbombela.
