Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Cllr Hismajesty Maqhubu and Afrikaans soundbite by David Mc Kay MPL.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Tokologo Local Municipality will submit a formal request to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) for the immediate release of technical drawings, project timelines, and an independent engineering assessment of the Dealesville sanitation project.
This follows an oversight visit to the DWS-funded TEFLA project, which revealed alarming neglect and poor workmanship that continue to rob residents of basic dignity.
What we found is deeply troubling. Despite our January 2025 oversight highlighting structural cracks in the oxidation ponds, no remedial action has been taken. Instead, the ponds remain in use, with grass now growing through the very cracks in the newly built walls, a clear sign of neglect and compromised engineering integrity.
Furthermore, of the two wastewater dams on site, only one has received a pond liner. The second remains exposed, lacking the critical geomembrane required to prevent environmental contamination. This raises serious concerns about the project’s long-term viability and safety.
Shockingly, the site supervisor admitted that no technical drawings were provided by the Department of Water and Sanitation, claiming they are developed “as the project goes.” This contradicts the Municipal Technical Department’s assertion that such plans exist. Yet these remain unavailable for verification by the DA.
This project, initiated in 2021, now risks becoming another incomplete and mismanaged infrastructure failure. With the festive season approaching, residents are bracing for the fifth consecutive year of broken promises, promises of flushing toilets and dignified sanitation that never materialise.
We demand:
- Immediate public release of the technical drawings and project timelines.
- An independent engineering assessment of the oxidation ponds and wastewater dams.
- A full audit of TEFLA’s compliance with contractual and safety obligations.
- Urgent intervention by the Department of Water and Sanitation to prevent further delays.
The people of Dealesville deserve more than empty pledges. They deserve dignity, transparency, and infrastructure that works.