Siphelele Nketo
THE Alfred Nzo District Municipality, responsible for water and sanitation services, has acknowledged water supply challenges experienced in parts of the district and assured communities that interventions are being implemented to stabilise current systems while strengthening long-term water security.
In Matatiele, particularly Ward 19 and Ward 20, recent heavy rainfall resulted in high volumes of incoming flow at the Matatiele Water Treatment Works, causing elevated turbidity and affecting the treatment process. According to municipal manager Zamile Sikhundla, the technical team responded to the challenge by balancing the flow and chemical treatment process.
He said the team has successfully completed the exercise to balance the flow and chemical treatment at the Matatiele Water Treatment Works and water supply has been restored to normal.
He said during the process, low pressure and some discoloration were experienced in areas such as the CBD, Buxton Park, Mountain View, Harry Gwala and Dark City.
“We continue to monitor the system to ensure stability,” he said. Challenges experienced across the district are also linked to ageing and deteriorating infrastructure, water losses, vandalism and theft, as well as weather-related impacts on raw water sources and treatment processes.
During the State of the District Address on July 9, Mayor Tsileng Sobuthongo outlined significant investments in water infrastructure for the 2026/27 financial year.
