Important South African town has become a filthy mess
The capital of South Africa’s North West Province, Mahikeng, is suffering from severe service delivery and waste management problems.
It has reached such concerning levels that it presents serious public health, environmental, and safety risks for residents.
Mahikeng, situated near the Botswana border, serves as an important administrative, historical, and commercial hub for the region.
Its economy is anchored by the public sector, which hosts the provincial parliament and the high court, as well as the bulk of the North West’s government department headquarters.
Beyond government administration, the surrounding area relies on agriculture, particularly maize, cattle farming, and sunflower cultivation, and commercial trade.
The town also acts as a gateway for goods moving along the Ramatlabama border post into Botswana.
Despite its importance, Mahikeng has faced service delivery problems due to municipal mismanagement, procurement controversies, and maintenance backlogs.
Water supply and wastewater management are the most severe daily headaches for residents and businesses.
The municipality regularly issues urgent public notices regarding water supply delays, low pressure, and emergency closures.
Concerns have been raised regarding the Mahikeng Wastewater Treatment Plant, which has been discharging non-compliant effluent into the Molopo River.
Residential areas, including Seweding, have been affected by ongoing, long-term sewage spills that pose public health hazards.
The road network is also under strain, with broken streetlights, non-functional traffic lights at busy intersections, and potholes.
Waste management problems in Mahikeng
The Mahikeng municipality is experiencing a waste crisis, with several illegal dumping hotspots around the town.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), which conducted an oversight visit in the area, said the illegal dumping sites present public health, environmental, and safety risks.
“Illegal dumping attracts vermin, pollutes surrounding communities, and creates fire hazards,” the party said.
It added that the situation undermines residents’ constitutional right to live in an environment that is not harmful to their health and well-being.
The DA said that the Mahikeng municipality’s failure to manage waste is neither new nor disputed.
Previous Auditor-General findings identified shortcomings, including the landfill site operating without the required environmental authorisations.
It also pointed to poor maintenance of critical infrastructure, failures to comply with waste management legislation, irregular expenditure, and procurement concerns.
The party said, earlier this year, the council considered a proposal to outsource the operation of the landfill site at a high cost.
The proposal failed to secure approval after serious concerns were raised regarding procurement processes, transparency, and value for money.
Months later, the municipality has still failed to present a credible alternative plan to address the growing waste management crisis.
The DA’s proposed intervention includes the rehabilitation and proper management of the municipal landfill site.
It also wants to see the clean-up of illegal dumping hotspots, the installation of clear signage to discourage illegal dumping, and stronger enforcement of bylaws.
Mahikeng photos
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