By Karabo Morifi
The North West’s permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) have raised the alarm on the urgent need for interventions that will result in the completion of long-delayed infrastructure projects across the province. The call comes as the NCOP delegation began a week-long oversight visit to assess the state of key projects that have been stalled, affecting the lives of communities who have been waiting years for improvements.
Led by provincial whip and delegation leader, Sylvia Sithole, the NCOP team emphasised that these infrastructure projects, many of which are critical to the development of the province, must be completed to benefit the most vulnerable members of society. “While we are concerned that some projects have taken a long time to complete, we accept the assurances you have given today, and we will be back in November to assess if those commitments have been honoured. We want to see positive change here in the province,” Sithole said.
Oversight Visit to Address Key Concerns
The oversight visit by the NCOP delegates forms part of the Provincial Week Programme, an initiative aimed at enhancing the accountability and effectiveness of provincial governments in addressing local infrastructure needs. The week-long visit saw the delegation travel to various project sites, including the Mahikeng Airport and Rooigrond Waste Water Treatment Works, to get a first-hand look at the delays and challenges hindering progress.
One of the primary concerns raised by the NCOP delegation was the issue of inadequate planning and project management, which, according to the Office of the Auditor General, has been a key factor in the delays. The delegation expressed particular concern about the lack of coordination between the provincial government and local municipalities, stressing the importance of adopting the District Development Model (DDM) to ensure better alignment and efficiency.
Mahikeng Airport: A Missed Economic Opportunity
During the visit to Mahikeng Airport, the delegation underscored the urgent need to revitalise the facility, which has been non-operational for years. The airport, which has the potential to become a major economic driver for the region, remains underutilised despite several plans by the North West Department of Transport, Roads, and Community Safety to restore it.
“We note the plans by the department to revitalise the airport, but it is crucial that a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis is conducted to ensure that these plans deliver the necessary economic benefits,” Sithole said. She further stressed that the department should consider all available options, including proposals from local business forums and investors, to ensure the airport can be used to its full potential, particularly in relation to cargo transport to neighbouring countries.
The delegation urged the department to explore every avenue for investment, noting that several business forums had highlighted the availability of investors willing to support the airport’s revitalisation. These potential partnerships, they argued, could be key to unlocking the airport’s economic potential and generating much-needed jobs for the region.
Delays in Water Projects: A Source of Frustration
Another major issue highlighted during the NCOP delegation’s visit was the delay in completing key water infrastructure projects. One such project is the Rooigrond Waste Water Treatment Works, which has been delayed for several years. Initially slated for completion in 2018, the project remains unfinished, leaving more than 1,000 households without the sanitation services they were promised.
“It is unacceptable that the over 1,000 households that would have benefited from the project are still waiting to this day,” Sithole said. The delegation acknowledged the new completion target set by the Magalies Water Board for July 2025 but expressed concern that the initial planning was inadequate, which raised false hopes for the community.
One of the primary reasons for the delay in the water project has been the failure to conduct a proper Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the lack of applications for servitudes at the time the project was commissioned. Sithole criticised the departments responsible for the poor planning, stating that, “Infrastructure projects are complex, and effective planning will ensure that they are delivered on time and within budgets.”
Calls for Permanent Personnel in Project Implementation
A recurring theme throughout the NCOP delegation’s visits was the issue of acting personnel responsible for overseeing the implementation of these stalled projects. Many of the key projects that have been delayed are managed by acting officials, who, according to the delegation, lack the necessary accountability to ensure the timely completion of the projects.
The NCOP delegation called for Magalies Water and other implementing bodies to appoint permanent personnel to oversee these projects. “The lack of permanent staff in key roles is contributing to the delays. We need people in these positions who can be held accountable if deadlines are missed,” Sithole said.
The Need for Practical Interventions
As the NCOP delegation continues its week-long oversight programme, it is clear that there are numerous challenges that need to be addressed to bring North West’s stalled infrastructure projects to completion. From the delayed water and sanitation projects to the underutilisation of critical transport infrastructure, the province faces significant hurdles in delivering essential services to its communities.
Sithole emphasised that the NCOP would hold the provincial government to account, ensuring that commitments made during the delegation’s visit are honoured by November. “We accept the assurances that have been made, but we will be back to check on progress. The people of North West deserve to see these projects completed, and we will ensure that happens,” she said.
Further Visits to Address Housing and Road Projects
The NCOP delegation’s visit will continue on Wednesday, where they are scheduled to visit the stalled RDP housing project in Tshunyane Village. The project, which was intended to provide housing for low-income residents, has faced significant delays due to various planning and implementation challenges. The delegation will also assess the Sanieshof Waste Water Treatment Plant, another critical project that has been stalled.
The day’s programme will conclude with a visit to the rehabilitation site of sections of road P152/1 from N18 at Delareyville. The poor state of roads in the province has been a major concern for both residents and businesses, with many citing the deteriorating infrastructure as a key factor in the province’s economic stagnation.
Addressing Systemic Challenges
The challenges faced by North West’s infrastructure projects are reflective of broader systemic issues within the province’s governance and planning structures. The lack of proper coordination between departments, inadequate planning, and the high turnover of key personnel are all contributing factors to the delays.
The NCOP delegation’s call for the adoption of the District Development Model (DDM) is seen as a potential solution to these challenges. By ensuring better alignment and coordination between provincial and local government structures, the DDM could help streamline project implementation and ensure that infrastructure projects are completed on time and within budget.
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