30 Mar 2026

Kanye sanitation project, which is at 98 per cent completion rate is still undergoing challenges, leading to the delay of its commissioning.

Dragging commissioning of the project is the backlog of its works which covers pump station eight and three mortars which broke down during the testing stage.

This was revealed by the Kanye Water Utilities Corporation Services Centre General Manager, Mr Monametsi Ramosu, when updating Kanye District councilors during a full council session recently.

“Pump station three had a dis-alignment and the area where waste will be deposited is also undergoing rehabilitation. Phase one of the project increased network with 145 kilometers, the system is quite a challenge,” he emphasised.

An arrangement he said, had been made to cater for a spare mortar and pump. In addition, Mr Ramosu informed councilors that non-return valves used in the pump stations were of sub-standard and needed to be replaced in all the pump stations.

“Replacement of non-return valves has since commenced and expectation was to commission the entire sanitation project before end of April 2026,” he said.

He indicated that a waste water specialist from South Africa engaged by Estate Management, was expected in two weeks and by end of April 2026 the project would be functional.

Mr Ramosu further explained that post commissioning stage in April, members of the public would be encouraged to apply for to the sewerage system. The Ministry of Water and Human Settlement will continue working with WUC to ensure that any major defects be addressed by the ministry.

About the ongoing project of potable water, Mr Ramosu said there were instances that needed interconnection of new lines and old lines which were identified as additional works. He indicated that WUC had since decided to carry out some connection of services to the public.

When commenting, Councillor Shimane Thelo of Lotlhakane East called for a delegation that would visit the Minister of Water and Human Settlement to seek intervention on the project as they did not believe it would reach completion stage on the stipulated time, whilst Councillor Themba Stimela proposed a site visit to the sanitation project, expressing fear that in the next council session Estate Management would have left the site.

Councillor Mosekisi Ranngobana of Kgosing ward said he had long out cried of dire water shortage at Ntsweng ward, requesting water rationing dates for the ward. He also asked whether government would be able to secure funding to remunerate the waste water specialist.

In response, Mr Ramosu explained that commissioning of the project did not mean the contractor would vacate site immediately.

He assured councilors that WUC would only take over the project if it was fully complete.

When responding to Mr Ranngobana, he said the intention was to throttle other areas like Mmamokhasi ward that usually had water to divert supply to areas like Ntsweng.

He also explained that within the years 2026 and 2027, Kanye would be connected to prepaid.

Mr Ramosu also stated that phase two component of water reticulation covering Kanye and Moshupa which had been included in NDP 12, was awaiting funding. ENDS