The Free State provincial government has taken a decisive step towards tackling the province’s deepening water and sanitation crisis through a high-level investment and infrastructure mission to China, with the Dihlabeng Local Municipality forming part of the delegation.

Representing Dihlabeng are Tseki Tseki, executive mayor, and Lungile Mokotedi, technical director. Led by Saki Mokoena, MEC for Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements (Coghsta), the delegation travelled to Shanghai and Jiangsu Province in the People’s Republic of China to explore cutting-edge infrastructure solutions aimed at improving municipal service delivery across the Free State.

Securing innovative and sustainable solutions

The mission is focused on benchmarking international best practices and unlocking investment opportunities within the water and sanitation sector, particularly in wastewater treatment and bulk infrastructure development.

Provincial officials said the visit formed part of efforts to secure innovative and sustainable solutions to the mounting infrastructure challenges facing municipalities. During the visit, the delegation engaged with Chinese government officials, infrastructure specialists and private-sector investors in a series of strategic discussions centred on water security, sanitation technology and long-term infrastructure sustainability.

The delegation also toured advanced wastewater treatment facilities and manufacturing plants specialising in modern water purification and recycling systems. Officials were introduced to a range of modular wastewater treatment technologies designed to meet the demands of rapidly growing municipalities while improving efficiency, environmental compliance and long-term sustainability. The technologies are regarded as potential game changers for ageing infrastructure, water losses, and inadequate sanitation systems.

Facing immense pressure

Mokoena said municipalities continued to face immense pressure due to deteriorating infrastructure, population growth and increasing demand for reliable basic services.

“This mission has provided the province with valuable insight into practical and innovative infrastructure solutions that could significantly strengthen service delivery, accelerate infrastructure development and improve the quality of life in communities across the Free State,” said Mokoena.

The provincial government described the visit as a critical milestone in its drive to attract international investment, strengthen technical partnerships and implement sustainable infrastructure solutions aimed at improving water security and sanitation services throughout the province.