MAKHANDA-Makana Local Municipality tabled its final State of the Municipality Address (SOMA) for the 2021-2026 term on 03 October 2026 at the Indoor Sports Centre, Extension 6 in Makhanda weeks before the dissolution of council ahead of the Local Government Elections.
The address provided a formal report on the state of service delivery in Makhanda, Alicedale and Riebeeck East focusing on water security, roads, electricity, waste management and financial recovery as the municipality prepares for the polls scheduled for 04 November 2026.
On water security, the municipality confirmed that the R393 Million James Kleynhans Water Treatment Works(JKWTW) upgrade is in its final phase and is expected to increase bulk water supply capacity to 10 megalitres per day upon commissioning. Refurbishment of the Waainek Water Treatment Works and Howiesonspoort pump station has been completed to stabilise supply during periods of high demand.
Makana Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr Yandiswa Maya Vara said water provision had been the central priority of the current administration.
“When we assumed office in 2021, Makana was experiencing severe water supply interruptions. Through the investment in the JKWTW and the daily leak repair programme, the municipality has made considerable progress in stabilising water supply,” said Vara.
In addition,Mayor Vara said that municipality has implemented a pipe replacement programme to replace ageing asbestos pipes, which contribute to water losses exceeding 40%.
She further stated that illegal connections and vandalism of water infrastructure continue to affect distribution, particularly in high-lying areas including Joza and Vukani.
Furthermore,the municipality reported that road resealing and pothole repairs were undertaken in the central business district(CBD), Joza, Tantyi and Extension 6 and 9 while the streetlight maintenance programme has restored lighting along the Raglan Road to Bathurst Street corridor.
The solid waste fleet has been augmented with additional compactors to improve refuse collection in Makhanda and Alicedale.
However,the Executive Mayor acknowledged that significant backlogs remain.
A substantial number of township roads remain in poor condition due to budgetary constraints and inadequate stormwater infrastructure, while electricity infrastructure continues to be affected by cable theft and illegal connections.
On financial management, the municipality reported that revenue collection has improved from 68% to over 80% under the Financial Recovery Plan, accompanied by a reduction in irregular expenditure.
However, the municipality remains under financial pressure and continues to encounter challenges in meeting its obligations to bulk suppliers, including Eskom and Amatola Water.The SOMA marks the conclusion of the 2021-2026 term, with the incoming council to be elected on 04 November 2026.
Courtesy of IMAGES: Sizo Media
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