Pump Station Delays Overshadow Service Delivery Gains in JB Marks

The JB Marks Local Municipality has confirmed that the Ventersdorp Road Pump Station upgrades are taking longer than expected. According to the contractor on site, a leak on the Main Supply Line has slowed progress, delaying pumping to the Eesterandjies Reservoirs. The work, which involves the installation of new pumps, a valve on the main supply line, and a bulk water meter, is critical to restoring reliable service.

Image: JB Marks

The following areas remain affected by the delays:

• Promosa

• Mohadin

• Dassierand

• SANDF Base

• Witrand Hospital

• Kannoniers Park

• All Ikageng Extension Areas

• Eesterandjies Reservoirs

Municipal officials emphasized that the Technical Services Team remains on site, working with urgency to complete the remaining tasks. A further notice will be issued once operations have been fully restored.

Engineering Precision on Roads

In addition to pump station work, municipal teams continued with high-precision road repairs. Along Ikageng Weg near Hinterland, one critical pothole was not just patched but rebuilt using a seven-step engineering process. The method included excavation, base stabilization, bitumen binding, asphalt layering, and waterproof sealing to ensure durability.

Supervised by Isaka Masilo and Gift Lebele, the repair is being treated as a model of engineering precision. Additional work will shift to Promosa Road in the coming days.

Drainage Management and Yellow Fleet Deployment

Alongside roadworks, the Yellow Fleet focused on Promosa Road, where stormwater channels were excavated and cleared of sludge. This preventive maintenance is designed to protect the roadway and surrounding community during the upcoming rainy season.

Water Services Enhancements

Water supply teams concentrated on both major infrastructure and smaller but equally important fixes.

• At the Ventersdorp Reservoir, contractors continued with bulk supply upgrades.

• Multiple households saw repairs and installations:

  • Tee piece connection repaired at Gaabaloe Street.

  • Meter rebuild in Extension 11.

  • Meter and gate valve installation in Extension 7.

  • New meter and gate valve on Mandela Drive.

These targeted interventions help prevent water loss, improve billing accuracy, and strengthen the distribution network.

Sewer and Sanitation: Blockages Cleared, Projects Progressing

Sanitation crews responded to several blockages across Letsie, Khuti, Durr, and the Parliamentary Constituency Office. Crews also acted at Baille Creek, Beach Avenue, where clearing the mainline was vital to prevent sewage from entering a sensitive natural waterway.

Meanwhile, progress was reported on the Ward 11 Sewer Line Project, with 144 metres of pipeline installed. Phase three of the project is now underway, bringing the municipality closer to its 250-metre target.

Image: JB Marks

Waste Management Performance

Waste collection teams once again reported 100% completion across households, business premises, and hotspots. Consistency in this department continues to support environmental health and strengthen public confidence.

Departments Without Reports

Several departments failed to submit updates, including:

• Paving Team

• Electrical Department

• Parks Department

• Road Marking Team

• Illegal Dumping Teams

• Urban Water Team (Baillie Park, Van Welig, Promosa)

• Reservoir Status Unit

Officials reminded all teams that daily reporting is essential to transparency and effective coordination.

Impact at a Glance

According to the latest report, the day’s measurable outcomes included:

• 1 engineering-grade pothole rebuilt on Ikageng Weg.

• 150 metres of drainage channels cleared on Promosa Road.

• 4 water connection issues resolved.

• 5 sewer blockages cleared.

• 144 metres of sewer pipeline installed in Ward 11.

• 100% waste collection maintained.

• 35+ municipal professionals deployed across departments.

Community Notices

• Ikageng Weg: Drive with care for 24 hours following new repairs.

• Promosa Road: Expect minor delays due to ongoing drainage work.

• Ward 11: Sewer project advancing, thank you for patience.

• Issues can be reported to:

  • Water/Sewage: 082 381 0888

  • Roads/Paving: 018 293 1111

  • Disaster: 078 803 1570

  • Electricity: 082 385 1888

A Day of Mixed Progress

While challenges at the Ventersdorp Road Pump Station continue to affect water supply across multiple areas, other sectors of municipal service delivery demonstrated notable progress. Road repairs, drainage maintenance, sewer line expansion, and waste management all contributed to visible improvements.

The combination of delays and achievements reflects the complex balance between infrastructure challenges and the drive to restore reliable services to residents.

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