Potchefstroom: Water and Sanitation (DWS) Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo has acknowledged progress made to improve water and sanitation infrastructure in the JB Marks Local Municipality in the North West. He highlighted this during his two-day oversight visit in Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp on 26 to 27 March 2026, as he assessed the state of water and sanitation infrastructure in those areas.
According to South African Government News Agency, the first day of the oversight visit began with a briefing on the state of water and sanitation in the municipality, followed by a series of site visits to assess ongoing infrastructure projects and areas affected by sewer spillages. This was followed by a site visit to the Potchefstroom College of Agriculture, where a maintenance project is underway to address a bulk sewer pipeline that has been discharging raw sewage into the Mooi River.
Seitlholo noted that the bulk sewer pipeline at the college has deteriorated significantly and is in a state of progressive structural failure. He emphasized the need for a full replacement rather than temporary repairs and committed to engaging with the Department's Water Services and the municipality to provide the necessary support.
The oversight visits also included an inspection of the Ikageng Pump Station, which is currently undergoing refurbishment and upgrading. Once completed, the upgraded facility is expected to pump water at a rate of 400 liters per second and support improved supply to surrounding communities through the filling of the 25-megalitre reservoir in Extension 7. Seitlholo stressed the importance of completing these projects successfully to deliver real benefits to communities.
Concerns were raised regarding the newly constructed Zakhele Sewer Pump Station. The Deputy Minister expressed reservations about its proximity to nearby households and the adequacy of security measures in place, highlighting the need for adequate security to prevent vandalism and theft.
Further inspections were conducted at the Promosa bulk sewer pipeline upgrade project, which aims to address long-standing sewer spillages that have resulted in pollution of the Poortjie Dam. Seitlholo expressed optimism that the project, once completed, would significantly reduce sewage spillages and improve environmental conditions.
On the second day of the oversight visit, the Deputy Minister traveled to Ventersdorp to engage with community members and assess the town's persistent water supply challenges. Focus was on the Tshing area, which has been experiencing recurring water shortages for many years.
Seitlholo indicated that Ventersdorp faces a significant gap between water demand and available supply, with current infrastructure supplying only a fraction of the estimated 20 megalitres per day needed. He addressed concerns related to the provision of water using water tankers and assured residents of further engagement with municipal leadership to address the matter.
Seitlholo announced plans to convene a multi-stakeholder engagement involving national, provincial, and municipal leadership to develop coordinated interventions. He reaffirmed that the issues identified during the oversight visit will receive necessary attention and that DWS will continue to provide updates.
The Deputy Minister assured communities that concerns raised during the visit are being taken seriously and will receive the attention they deserve, emphasizing that access to water is a basic human right.