The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Maruleng takes note of a moratorium on new developments in Hoedspruit approved during a Special Council meeting on 8 September 2025 following the near collapse of the recognised fragile and overburdened water and sewage installations at the Hoedspruit Air Force Base.
Council approved the 12 -month moratorium on any further development and connections to the Drakensig water and waste water treatment works. due to capacity constraints.
The moratorium is in place until such time that capacity has been developed for both water and sanitation.
Landowners with their own and independent water and sanitation options may develop pending approval.
Mopani District Municipality (MDM) is constitutionally mandated to provide bulk services, but have shrugged the responsibility for over 15 years leaving the Airforce base with the obligation.
A multi-million rand botched sewage treatment plant between Hoedspruit and Kampersus is a stark reminder of the incompetence of MDM.
The reasons for moratorium on growth and development which would have created jobs and opportunities must be laid squarely on MDM.
Hoedspruit, known as “The safari capital of South Africa” , has seen immense growth over the last two decades due to conservation and tourism, from local and international visitors, and a vibrant agriculture community. These sectors contribute greatly to job creation and opportunities for entrepreneurs.
MDM was given 12 months to develop and implement a plan with a sufficient budget to develop a water purification and waste water purification plants.
We will monitor developments and request the Department of Water and Sanitation prioritise the project and to ensure that plans are according to national standards and sufficient for this growing town.
The DA will not allow the MDM to indefinitely postpone their constitutional duty to provide essential services which is now sabotaging development.