Sello Seitlholo Flags Delays in R220 Million Meyerton Wastewater Upgrade

Seitlholo warned that delays in wastewater infrastructure upgrades could compromise the broader water value chain, affecting both local and national water security.

Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation Sello Seitlholo has raised serious concerns over delays in the completion of the R220 million upgrade of the Meyerton Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW), warning that setbacks could have far-reaching consequences for water quality and public health.

The concerns were voiced during an oversight visit to the facility in Midvaal Local Municipality, part of the Sedibeng District, where the Deputy Minister assessed progress and engaged with key stakeholders involved in the project.

Critical Infrastructure Project Facing Delays

The Meyerton WWTW upgrade, funded through the Department of Water and Sanitation’s Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant, is aimed at improving sanitation services and ensuring treated effluent meets required environmental standards.

Implemented by Rand Water, the project has progressed in phases:

• Phase 1 & 2: Completed

• Phase 3: Ongoing — set to expand capacity from 10 megalitres/day to 25 megalitres/day

Despite this progress, delays in the final phase have raised concerns about the project’s overall timeline and impact.

Causes of Delay and Recovery Measures

According to officials, the delays have been caused by:

• Contractor cash flow constraints

• Payment-related challenges

• Persistent rainfall disrupting construction

Rand Water has indicated that corrective steps have been taken, including resolving payment issues, re-engaging subcontractors, and accelerating construction to recover lost time. The utility has committed to completing the project within the current financial year.

Threat to Water Resources and Public Health

Seitlholo warned that delays in wastewater infrastructure upgrades could compromise the broader water value chain, affecting both local and national water security.

“Ongoing failures in wastewater management will threaten our water resources,” he cautioned, stressing that untreated or poorly treated sewage poses a direct risk to rivers, dams, and drinking water supplies.

He highlighted the urgent need to prevent pollution of natural water systems, noting that the discharge of raw sewage continues to endanger environmental and human health.

“If we do not take care of the value chain, how are we going to secure the quality at the end of it? How are we going to give people clean drinking water?” he said.

Regional Impact Beyond Midvaal

Officials also pointed out that sanitation challenges extend beyond Midvaal, affecting the wider Sedibeng District. The successful completion of the Meyerton upgrade is therefore seen as critical to improving regional sanitation infrastructure.

Once completed, the upgraded plant is expected to significantly enhance service delivery for communities including:

• Rothdene

• Meyerton

• Rustervaal

• Sicelo Shiceka informal settlement

• Surrounding industrial areas

Accountability and Oversight Intensified

The Department of Water and Sanitation emphasized that such oversight visits are essential to ensure accountability, address bottlenecks, and accelerate delivery of infrastructure projects.

Seitlholo reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting water resources and strengthening infrastructure to ensure sustainable access to clean water.

Towards a Resilient Water System

The Deputy Minister’s intervention underscores the growing urgency to modernise wastewater treatment systems across South Africa. With increasing pressure on water resources, efficient sanitation infrastructure is critical to safeguarding both environmental sustainability and public health.

As efforts intensify to complete the Meyerton project, authorities are focused on restoring timelines and ensuring that the infrastructure delivers its intended benefits without further delay.