The North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has reported steady progress in the implementation and expenditure of the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), with notable gains in infrastructure delivery across the province.
In a statement issued on Monday, the department said the province received a total MIG allocation of R2.19 billion for the 2025/26 financial year, with the total annual allocation transferred to municipalities.
MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs Gaoage Oageng Molapisi said municipalities had collectively spent R1.3 billion by the end of March, translating to 64% of the total allocation.
Molapisi welcomed the expenditure performance, noting that it reflects continued investment in critical infrastructure such as water and sanitation, roads, stormwater systems, waste management and community facilities, which remain central to improving service delivery and the quality of life for residents across the province.
“The progress recorded demonstrates that municipalities are increasingly improving their capacity to deliver critical infrastructure. We remain on course to ensure 100% expenditure of funds allocated after achieving 99% last financial year,” Molapisi said.
Several municipalities have demonstrated strong performance in infrastructure spending and project implementation, particularly in districts including Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, where expenditure reached 82% of allocated funds, signalling improved planning and execution capacity.
To accelerate infrastructure projects in their localities, additional funding has been allocated to six municipalities, including Kgetleng Rivier (R15 million), Maquassi Hills (R16 million), Ditsobotla (R37 million), Ratlou (R17 million), Lekwa Teemane (R12 million), Greater Taung (R19 million) and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District (R50 million).
However, Molapisi noted that some municipalities have lost portions of their allocations to other municipalities due to slow spending and implementation challenges.
In cases where performance remains weak, Molapisi said swift action is required to protect public funds.
“While reallocation may affect project timelines in underperforming municipalities, the measure is intended to improve overall delivery rather than penalise those affected.
“The lost portions will have an impact on the ongoing infrastructure projects implemented by the affected municipalities. Planned completion dates will now be prolonged into the new financial year,” Molapisi said.
He added that these actions are not intended to penalise municipalities, but rather to improve performance.
“The reallocation is to ensure 100% expenditure of the grant in the province. When funds are reallocated, it is done to maximise impact and ensure that infrastructure delivery continues without delays,” the MEC said.
Implementation plans for next financial year
As part of preparations for the 2026/27 municipal financial year, which begins in July, the department has supported municipalities in assessing draft implementation plans to ensure alignment with grant conditions, infrastructure priorities, and compliance with the Division of Revenue Act.
The process aims to strengthen long-term infrastructure planning, address stalled projects, and improve sustainable service delivery.
Molapisi also announced that the department will convene a provincial MIG workshop ahead of the new financial year to assess municipalities’ readiness for implementation of the MIG funded infrastructure projects.
“The aim is to ensure that municipalities finalise the appointment by end June 2026 so that construction can commence at the beginning of the financial year in July 2026.” – SAnews.gov.za
