National Government Initiates Intervention for JB Marks Sewage Infrastructure

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has launched a formal intervention to address long-standing sewage infrastructure challenges within the JB Marks Local Municipality, affecting areas including Ikageng, Promosa, and Mohadin

Image: The Go-To Guy Creations

Assessment of Infrastructure Challenges

During a site inspection on Friday, 16 January 2026, Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo visited Extension 7 near Poortjies Dam to assess the impact of recurring spillages. The inspection highlighted the severity of the situation, with some residential properties having managed persistent sewage issues for several years.

The spillages have created ongoing difficulties for local residents and businesses, impacting daily life and raising public health concerns across the community.

Environmental and Resource Impact

The infrastructure difficulties have also affected the Mooi River, a primary water source for local agriculture, industry, and domestic use. Due to a lack of functional maintenance machinery and the "tools of trade" at the municipal level, untreated waste has entered the river system via stormwater channels.

Timeline of formal actions:

2020–2023: Community members and downstream users lodged formal complaints with the DWS and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).

Administrative Directives: The DWS issued multiple notices and directives to the municipality regarding pollution control.

Legal Proceedings: Following these reports, civil society groups initiated a criminal case, and an investigation by Environmental Management Inspectors is currently underway.

Image: SA News. gov.za

Impact on Community Institutions

The infrastructure failures have also reached sensitive areas, including the vicinity of the Abraham Kriel Children's Home. While municipal representative Johan Zerwig confirmed that teams are currently working to clear the immediate blockage near the facility, observers noted that the recurring nature of the spills suggests a need for more sustainable, preventative maintenance strategies rather than temporary fixes.

National Rehabilitation Projects

Deputy Minister Seitlholo has categorized the current state of the infrastructure as "unacceptable" and confirmed that the national government will now oversee rehabilitation projects. These efforts will be funded through the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG), specifically targeting upgrades in Promosa and Mohadin.

Facebook Video of Interview: https://www.facebook.com/reel/864569463097290

A follow-up meeting is scheduled within two weeks to review municipal capacity and equipment requirements. The goal of this intervention is to restore reliable sanitation services to the families in Extension 7 and ensure that critical institutions like Abraham Kriel can operate in a safe environment.

Information sourced from: SAnews - Government Intervenes over JB Marks Sewer Crisis