LIMPOPO – The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has refuted allegations of fraud and poor workmanship in the controversial bulk water project that runs through Sekhunyane and Bambeni in the Dzumeri area.

Community members allege that Khato Civils, the company contracted to install the bulk pipeline to the Dzumeri area, failed to complete the work properly. They claim the contractor excavated trenches for the pipeline installation and then backfilled them without placing any pipes inside, creating the false impression that the work had been completed.

The issue allegedly came to light when the department conducted a water flow test to determine whether water from the Nsami Treatment Plant was reaching Sekhunyane and Bambeni, where a water reticulation project installing taps in households had already been completed.

The project was reportedly awaiting connection to the bulk line before the community could start receiving water. However, after the connection was completed, the department ran a test to verify the water flow. When the water failed to reach the intended area, red flags were raised, prompting an investigation.

According to sources, it was discovered that some trenches near Sekhunyane and surrounding areas had been backfilled without any pipes being installed. “The main bulk line is not complete here, and it makes us lose hope when we hear that in some areas, trenches were backfilled without the pipeline inside,” said Solly Mabunda of Sekhunyane village.

However, these allegations were dismissed as false by Sanku Tsunke, the acting spokesperson for the DWS. “These allegations are unfounded. The pipes have been installed at Sekhunyane village, and technicians are currently conducting pressure testing in the area,” said Tsunke.

He acknowledged that Bambeni village has some missing sections of pipeline but explained the reason. “The only area with missing pipes is Bambeni village, and the department is aware of the issue. The previous contractor, Khato Civils, could not lay pipes in those spots due to the presence of hard rock underground, which made digging a trench difficult. However, DWS is addressing the matter,” he said.

Meanwhile, Giyani EFF chief whip Austin Mabasa supported the community’s concerns and criticised the previous contractor for poor workmanship.

“They failed to properly tighten the screws on pipe connection joints, which resulted in major faults. A new company has now been appointed to fix the problem, hence the visible manholes along the Giyani–Tzaneen road,” Mabasa said.

He also expressed concern that the current contractor is allegedly failing to pay workers on time, reportedly due to pressure to back-pay officials who had awarded him the tender.

“This led to a three-week-long strike by employees due to non-payment,” he said.

Mabasa called on Mopani District Municipality to slow down the implementation of water reticulation projects in areas without completed bulk infrastructure.

“The municipality should first ensure that bulk infrastructure is properly installed and functional before rushing to install household taps. That way, any issues with the bulk line can be detected and addressed in time, and contractors can be held accountable before they leave the site,” he said.