State of the City Address: Mayor reveals major upgrades and crime-fighting plans

The executive mayor of the City of Mbombela (CoM), Sibongile Makushe-Mazibuko, delivered her State of the City Address on Thursday, June 26, highlighting ongoing service delivery improvements and development plans across the municipality.

Despite challenges, she said the CoM remains committed to fulfilling its constitutional mandate and serving its residents. Central to this is the delivery of basic services, as prioritised in the municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP).

Makushe-Mazibuko reported that a backlog of over 55 075 households without adequate water supply had been addressed. The Hoxani Water Scheme is expected to benefit the northern region and the Nyongani Booster Pump Station is nearing completion.

Nine water treatment plants were refurbished or newly built. Since 2021, 1 960 households in Daantjie, Gobhoza, Maminza, Tshabalala and Msholozi have benefitted from these interventions.

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In addition, 70 boreholes with high yield were drilled in rural communities. A regional dam is being planned, which is expected to support long-term water security and attract investment.

Several water treatment facilities have achieved Blue Drop status – a national certification that promotes accountability and best practice in water service delivery. The mayor said the municipality’s goal is for all plants to reach this standard.

The CoM also aims to connect 15 000 households to the sewer network before the end of Makushe-Mazibuko’s term. Ongoing work includes upgrades at Rocky Drift and Barberton Waste Water Treatment Works, as well as the Umjindi Northern Outfall Sewer.

Since 2021, 82% of municipal gravel roads – totalling 3 458km – have been paved. A further 1 824km of roads were upgraded, along with 13 bridges and numerous vehicle and pedestrian culverts.

A highlight was the completion of the 6km Dingindoda Road leading to the Masoyi Police Station. This R48m project created over 50 jobs and benefitted 18 local small businesses.

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Pedestrian bridges were also completed in Esidungeni, Shabalala, Mthimba and Mganduzweni, improving safety for school children. According to Makushe-Mazibuko, 96% of households in the CoM now have access to electricity, with 5 296 households connected to the grid.

A 2022 Stats SA report indicated a remaining 4% backlog, which is being addressed. Upgrades to the Delta 132kV and West Acres substations are nearing completion, while the KaMagugu Switching Station is fully operational.

A new 40 MVA Barberton Waterworks Substation is under construction, and the Emjindini Ext 17 Switching Station is 80% complete. To reduce energy use, 2 400 streetlights have been retrofitted with LED lights.

To combat persistent crime, the municipality is implementing a 24/7 CCTV monitoring system on Anderson Street, with plans to expand this city-wide. A R7m security war room is being developed to integrate surveillance across all four municipal regions.

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Plans for a municipal police service to address crime, crowd control and land invasion are at an advanced stage. The municipality continues to support communities during disasters and has urged residents not to settle in high-risk, unapproved areas.

A R45m fire station is being built in Dayizenza to improve emergency response in the northern region. New community halls have been completed and handed over in KaMajika, Jerusalem, Numbi, Mbonisweni and Sand River to provide practical spaces for local gatherings and services.