Service Delivery Under the Spotlight in Mpumalanga Outreach

Community voices take centre stage as government officials assess service delivery progress during the Exco outreach in Dr JS Moroka, Mpumalanga. Picture Credit: Facebook

By Staff Reporter

Mpumalanga – Government service delivery efforts took centre stage in Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality as leaders engaged directly with communities during a recent three-day Executive Council (Exco) outreach programme.

The visit, led by Speed Mashilo, focused on assessing progress in key infrastructure and housing projects aimed at improving living conditions across the region. Among the priorities were the eradication of asbestos roofing and the replacement of ageing asbestos water pipelines in Maphotla—both critical interventions tied to long-standing health and service delivery concerns.

Government has committed to replacing 254 asbestos-roofed houses across Siyabuswa, Maphotla, GaMakola, Seabe, and Pankop villages. To date, 112 homes have been rehabilitated, with the remaining units expected to be completed soon. This forms part of a broader national effort following the 2008 ban on asbestos materials due to their links to serious health risks, including cancer and chronic lung disease.

At the same time, work is underway to upgrade water infrastructure through the replacement of an asbestos bulk pipeline running from the Maphotla water treatment plant to the Bloedfontein reservoir. Once complete, the project is expected to benefit approximately 15,000 households across surrounding communities. Local Executive Mayor Nomsa Mtsweni welcomed the progress, noting the tangible difference it is already making for residents. “We appreciate the upgrade of water infrastructure and provision of water,” she said.

The outreach programme also created space for direct engagement between government officials and community members, reinforcing the importance of public participation in service delivery. Residents were able to raise concerns, share experiences, and seek clarity on ongoing projects and timelines.

Mashilo expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved so far, while acknowledging that more work lies ahead. He emphasised the need to accelerate delivery, strengthen coordination, and maintain a focus on improving living conditions. Collaboration between municipalities and key departments, including Water and Sanitation, was highlighted as a key driver behind the progress already made.

The programme concluded with a community Imbizo led by Mandla Ndlovu at Nokaneng Stadium, where residents voiced concerns about the slow pace of service delivery, ongoing water and electricity challenges, and deteriorating road infrastructure. In response, government committed to developing an immediate intervention plan and providing feedback to the community.

As the province looks ahead to the 2026/27 financial year, there is a growing recognition that while progress has been made, gaps remain. With renewed focus and a clearer understanding of the challenges, government has pledged to move with greater urgency and deliver more effectively for the residents of Mpumalanga.