"No More Ghost Projects": Fezile Dabi MMC Muller Commits to Transparent and Monitored Infrastructure Rollouts

"No more ghost projects" this was the resolute message from Fezile Dabi District Municipality's MMC for Local Economic Development, Tourism and Infrastructure, Nick Müller, as the municipality outlined a detailed account of its progress, oversight mechanisms, and development goals, with particular emphasis on current infrastructure projects underway in Mafube Local Municipality.

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From bulk water supply interventions to LED lighting for safety, the district is not only stepping in where local municipalities have failed, but it is doing so with an unwavering commitment to accountability, transparency and community involvement.

District Steps In to Rescue Failing Local Municipality

Fezile Dabi District Municipality assumed greater responsibility for infrastructure rollout in Mafube Local Municipality, which had become financially incapacitated and unable to execute its own projects. With accounts frozen and service providers losing trust, the district intervened to avoid the complete collapse of service delivery.

"Service providers were weary of doing business in that kind of environment," said Sipho Thomas, the Municipal Manager. "The workforce was demotivated. The municipality approached us to help implement their projects until such issues are resolved." Under its mandate, the district has taken over key initiatives previously delayed or stalled by Mafube, including road upgrades in Villiers, cemetery fencing in Frankfort, and the much-talked-about borehole water supply project in Tweeling.

Borehole Project: From Crisis to Completion

One of the most impactful interventions has been the borehole project in Tweeling, designed to stabilise water supply following disruptions in the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

"What began as six boreholes has become twelve, all of which are encased, functioning, and serving the community," confirmed MMC Nick Müller.

Mayor Dennis Khasudi added that the borehole project is now 98% complete.

"Nine out of the twelve drilled boreholes are equipped. This project ensures bulk water supply in areas previously affected by shutdowns. It is a key service delivery milestone," he said.