The Executive Mayor of Alfred Nzo District Municipality, Tsileng Sobuthongo, has launched a two-day executive oversight and intergovernmental engagement programme in Ntabankulu aimed at tackling persistent water and sanitation challenges affecting local communities.

The engagement, which began on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, brings together members of the Alfred Nzo District Municipality (ANDM) Mayoral Committee, councillors, Community Development Workers (CDWs), ward committees and senior management from both Alfred Nzo District Municipality and Ntabankulu Local Municipality, as well as representatives from the Infrastructure Delivery Management System (IDMS).

The primary focus of the programme is to assess bulk water infrastructure, monitor progress on ongoing projects, evaluate the effectiveness of water reticulation systems and identify ways to accelerate the delivery of clean and potable water to residents. Day one of the programme is dedicated to consultations with key stakeholders, while the second day will include site visits to infrastructure projects and water supply facilities within the municipality.

Addressing stakeholders during the engagement, Mayor Sobuthongo stressed the importance of collaboration among all spheres of government and community structures to address service delivery gaps and improve access to basic services.

The mayor also emphasized ongoing discussions with Eskom aimed at improving water pumping operations. According to the municipality, delays in diesel supplies and incidents of fuel theft have continued to disrupt water schemes that rely on generators, placing additional pressure on efforts to transition to more sustainable power solutions. Municipal officials say the long-term goal is to phase out the use of generators at water schemes and reduce operational disruptions that affect communities’ access to water.

While the municipality has outlined its plans and objectives, no specific timelines have yet been announced regarding the completion of infrastructure upgrades or the implementation of permanent solutions in affected areas. It also remains unclear which projects will be prioritised following the oversight visits.

Municipal leaders have indicated that similar oversight programmes will be rolled out across the district as part of broader efforts to identify challenges, implement interim measures and improve service delivery outcomes for communities.