Nelson Mandela Bay
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has appealed to residents and businesses to reduce their water consumption as a critical final shutdown of the Sundays River Canal begins this weekend, from 9 to 13 May 2025. The shutdown, led by the Department of Water and Sanitation, will enable essential rehabilitation work to secure the city’s sustainable water supply, which relies on the canal for approximately 60% of its needs. “Although we envisage the work to be completed within the scheduled time frames, high consumption might lead to water cuts in some areas,” warned Khanyisa Mafaya, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Infrastructure and Engineering.
A Critical Shutdown to Secure Water Supply
The Sundays River Canal, a lifeline for Nelson Mandela Bay, is part of the Lower Sundays Government Water Scheme (LSGWS) within the Orange-Fish-Sundays Inter Basin Transfer Scheme, moving 740 million kilolitres of water annually from the Gariep Dam to the Eastern Cape. However, the canal has been at risk since a section collapsed on 17 May 2017, 4.4 km south of Enon, prompting emergency measures like temporary earthworks and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) lining to maintain flow.
Mafaya explained that this temporary fix, in place for over four years, poses “a significant risk to the assurance of sustainable supply.” Permanent rehabilitation began in June 2024, with two prior shutdowns to install tie-ins for a newly built canal section. The upcoming 77-hour shutdown from 9 to 13 May 2025 will focus on securing downstream follower slabs at the canal’s junction point, a final step to ensure long-term reliability.
The municipality has urged residents to cut water use to avoid disruptions. “We urge our people to decrease their usage to help stabilise the system,” Mafaya said, noting that high consumption could strain the system and lead to cuts, particularly in high-lying areas.
Impact on Water Supply and Mitigation Measures
The shutdown will significantly reduce output from the Nooitgedagt Water Treatment Works, which typically supplies 250 megalitres per day but will drop to 70 million litres daily during the repair period. Senior Director for Water Distribution Joseph Tsatsire outlined the impact: “As a result of the shutdown, the Nooitgedagt scheme will only supply 70 million litres… per day, compared to the usual 250 megalitres. This will primarily support areas like Motherwell, Bluewater Bay, Despatch, and Kariega.”
To mitigate disruptions, the municipality has reconciled all available water resources:
- Alternative Sources: Water will be rerouted from Coega Kop Water Treatment Works to the Coega Special Economic Zone and Markman, reducing pressure on the Nooitgedagt scheme.
- Boreholes: Inner-city boreholes will augment supply, particularly for low-lying areas.
- Reservoir Management: The municipality is maximising reservoir levels before the shutdown, with Motherwell Reservoir at 27%, Grassridge at 23%, and Oliphant Kop at 32% as of recent updates.
Despite these measures, high-lying areas like NU 8, 9, 10, and 11 in Motherwell may face low pressure or outages, with water trucks deployed as backup. Tsatsire emphasised that consumption levels are critical: “While the city’s water network allows flexible water distribution, consumption levels remain a critical factor.”
A History of Water Challenges
Nelson Mandela Bay’s water woes are not new. The municipality lost 48.66% of its water supply to non-revenue losses (leaks and illegal connections) in the 2023/2024 financial year, up from 42.77% the previous year. The Sundays River Canal, supplying 60% of the metro’s needs, has faced repeated disruptions. A June 2024 shutdown for 10 days saw repairs to tie-in points, but flooding delayed earlier plans for a three-month closure from June to August 2024.
The canal’s importance extends beyond domestic use, serving agricultural users in the Sundays River citrus region and towns like Addo and Paterson. Past shutdowns have strained the Nooitgedagt scheme, with the Scheepersvlakte balancing dam often too low to support full production. The current shutdown, though shorter, comes at a time when the metro’s daily consumption—often exceeding the recommended 250 megalitres—remains a concern.
Community and Business Impact
The call for reduced consumption has sparked urgency across Nelson Mandela Bay. Residents in areas like Motherwell, where water trucks have been a lifeline during past shortages, are bracing for potential disruptions. A local shop owner in Kariega said, “We can’t afford another week without water—it hurts business and families.” On X, a resident posted, “NMBM pleading for less water use again—why can’t they fix leaks first?”
Businesses, particularly in water-intensive sectors like hospitality, are also worried. A Gqeberha restaurant manager noted, “We’ve cut usage, but if the taps go dry, we’re in trouble.” The Coega SEZ, a major economic hub, will rely on rerouted supplies to maintain operations, highlighting the stakes for the region’s economy.
Broader Context: South Africa’s Water Crisis
Nelson Mandela Bay’s struggles reflect a national water crisis. South Africa loses 40% of its water to leaks and theft, costing billions annually. The Department of Water and Sanitation’s 2024 Blue Drop Report flagged 30% of municipal water systems as critical, with Nelson Mandela Bay among those needing urgent intervention. Operation Vulindlela Phase II, launched on 7 May 2025 by President Cyril Ramaphosa, prioritises water reforms, including a National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency to manage supply and public-private partnerships to fix leaks.
Locally, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has criticised the municipality’s high consumption and stalled projects, like the Nooitgedagt scheme expansion, blaming issues with small businesses. The municipality has repaired leaks in areas like Motherwell, Walmer, and Summerstrand, but systemic losses remain a challenge.
What Residents Can Do
To support the shutdown, the municipality urges residents and businesses to:
- Reduce daily water use (e.g., shorter showers, fixing leaks).
- Store minimal water for essential needs, avoiding panic hoarding.
- Follow updates via ward councillors, social media, community radio, and local media.
Should disruptions occur, notifications will be shared promptly. The municipality’s proactive communication, including a 7 May 2025 media release, aims to keep residents informed.
🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 103 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: “”Down with the GNU”: Solly Mapaila Slams Ramaphosa and Rejects Government of National Unity at Workers’ Day Rally”
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Central-News-Issue-103.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube