Siphelele Nketo
SERVICE delivery progress in Matatiele was put in the limelight during the State of the Municipality Address by Mayor Patrick Stuurman in North End Stadium last Friday, June 19.
He announced the completed road infrastructure networks such as Itsokolele-Njongweville access road, the Matatiele Cluster 1 internal streets project and portions of the Harry Gwala internal streets.
He said work remains underway in some streets in Harry Gwala, Cedarville internal streets Phase 4, and Maluti Phase 5 internal streets. Another batch of completed projects includes Mahangu access road and bridge; Purutle to Moyeni access road; Mohapi access road and bridge; and Mnceba-Matiase access road and bridge. Stuurman said these projects will improve networks and connect families to schools, clinics and economic opportunities.
“During the 2026/2027 financial year, the municipality will invest R39.06 million in strategic infrastructure projects, including the Sifolweni access road and bridge (R4.2 million), Tlakanelo access road and bridge (R5.38 million), Motsing access road (R4.4 million), Lugada Mahlabathini bridge (R3.69 million), Mphotshongweni bridge (R3.2 million), Sekhutlong access road (R2.9 million), Tsita-Pehong access road (R2.83 million), Lunda access road (R2.5 million), and several other road and bridge projects,” he stated.
Other infrastructure developments mentioned were the upgrading of Mahangwe Sports Facility (R9.32 million), the construction of licensing offices (R4.2 million) and the planning of the mountain lake road (R1 million). In speaking about electricity infrastructure, he said that access to electricity remains one of the greatest drivers for development, improving quality of life.
He reported that 7 482 households have been electrified, including 569 households connected during the first quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year. He said this achievement exceeds the municipality’s five-year target of 4 733 household connections by 2027.
“As we enter the 2026/2027 financial year, the municipality will continue investing in electricity infrastructure to extend access to underserved communities and strengthen the reliability of the network,” he added. Meanwhile, DA councillor Wonga Potwana has described the mayor’s speech as just a “pep talk”, raising his concerns about lack of water in Caba, Area C, Maloto and Paballong. He also questioned the issue of roads in some wards.
