Magalies Water has refuted claims circulating on social media suggesting that the Klipvoor Bulk Water Supply Scheme was awarded to controversial businessman Edwin Sodi. The project, a critical infrastructure initiative, aims to deliver potable water to communities in the North West and Limpopo provinces.

The utility strongly condemned the allegations, stating that they are baseless and misleading. Sodi, a figure who has faced public scrutiny, has been linked to past controversies, including the incomplete R295 million Hammanskraal water project and the R255 million asbestos project scandal in the Free State.

According to Magalies Water spokesperson David Magae, the claims regarding Sodi's involvement are unfounded and harmful to the organization's reputation.

"The content is not only malicious and premature but also seeks to undermine our credibility in making ethical and legally sound decisions regarding supply chain management," said Magae.

He clarified that the Klipvoor project is in its final stages and will serve municipalities such as Moretele, Bela-Bela, Modimolle-Mookgophong, and Mogalakwena.

"Currently, only two of the seven work packages are under construction, both of which adhered to the stringent provisions of the Public Finance Management Act. The contractors for these packages have successfully completed other projects with Magalies Water, and there are no known links to Edwin Sodi," he explained.

Magae further stated that procurement for the remaining work packages is still in the early phases, as Magalies Water is engaging with national government departments on funding, technical project scoping, and cost estimates.

"When procurement processes commence, they will be competitive, fair, and transparent. Given the scale of this high-impact bulk water project, all necessary checks and balances will be in place to ensure that the tender is awarded without bias or undue influence," he concluded.