The Executive Mayor of the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Cllr. Khumalo Molefe, has called for urgent intervention to combat what he describes as a well-organised “water mafia” targeting and destroying municipal infrastructure across the district.
Speaking at a media briefing in Mahikeng on Friday, Molefe said criminal syndicates were deliberately sabotaging water and sanitation infrastructure, worsening sewage spillages and deepening water supply challenges in affected communities.
He said residents of Seweding Village (Ward 16) and Ramosadi Village (Ward 20) have endured persistent sewage spillages and unbearable stench for years, posing serious health risks.
Molefe explained that ongoing sewer spillages in the Mahikeng Local Municipality were largely caused by blocked and vandalised manholes.
“Despite efforts utilising unblocking rods, jetting equipment and honey suckers, the issue persisted. Temporary measures, including continuous pumping and sanitation control using disinfectants, were put in place,” he said.
While acknowledging that ageing infrastructure remains a major challenge, Molefe said the municipality is implementing both immediate interventions and long-term rehabilitation plans.
According to technical assessments, the blockage affecting Ramosadi is linked to the collapse of the Seweding bulk sewer line. “Rehabilitation of the Seweding outfall remains a prerequisite for resolving the downstream spillage affecting Ramosadi,” Molefe added.
The municipality further revealed that a technical assessment by Mark Consulting Engineers estimates that R29.7 million is required for the full rehabilitation of the collapsed bulk line — an increase from the initial R18 million projection due to further structural deterioration.
However, Molefe emphasised that infrastructure decay is being compounded by what he described as a determined and well-resourced criminal syndicate operating within the district.
“These groups deliberately sabotage or damage pipelines, pump stations and water infrastructure to create artificial water scarcity, allowing them to sell water via private tankers at high prices,” he said, adding that the Ditsobotla Local Municipality is among the hardest-hit areas.
“It is true, we are dealing with a syndicate — well organised, well funded, well equipped and well armed. There’s evidence to that effect. These individuals operate during the day or night. We have a number of cases in Ditsobotla, which is the most affected local municipality,” Molefe said.
He noted that the situation worsened after the municipality resolved to discontinue outsourcing water provision services through private tankers.
Molefe concluded by calling for a higher-level intervention, similar to measures previously implemented to protect critical infrastructure at Eskom.
“We need an intervention similar to that which was provided to Eskom when it was under attack. In the absence of such intervention, we will fail to protect municipal water infrastructure, and this syndicate will defeat us and loot municipal funds,” he said.
