KARIEGA – The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) has warned that despite gradual improvements in reservoir levels and water distribution across parts of the metro, the overall water supply system remains under severe strain and vulnerable to operational disruptions.
In a NMBM statement issued today, 25 June, the municipality said several areas continue to experience low water pressure and intermittent outages, while emergency interventions remain underway to stabilise the network.
Municipal spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya said the water distribution system was recovering but remained under significant pressure.
While the water distribution system and reservoir levels continue to recover, the overall system remains under severe strain and is highly vulnerable to any operational interruptions.
According to the statement, the KwaNobuhle zone remains relatively stable, with Reservoirs 3 and 4 maintaining levels above 50%. However, Reservoirs 1 and 2 are critically low following emergency valve replacement work carried out on Tuesday, resulting in water disruptions in parts of the township.
Water supply has improved in Rosedale, Kamesh, Kabah and Langa following technical interventions and troubleshooting efforts. Supply has been restored to Kamesh, Mountain View and parts of Springbok Street, although intermittent interruptions continue due to fluctuating reservoir levels and pumping constraints. Residents in Ward 50 remain affected, while maintenance teams investigate supply problems around 20th Avenue and surrounding streets.
The Fairbridge and Van Riebeeck Hoogte zone remains stable, with reservoir levels above 40%, although some intermittent disruptions are being experienced because of supply limitations from Nooitgedacht.
In the Chelsea zone, reservoir levels have improved to 20%, with all consumers currently expected to have water supply. The Bloemendal reservoir has increased to 26% after supply from the Motherwell-Chelsea pipeline was restored, although residents in higher-lying areas, including parts of KwaMagxaki and KwaDwesi, may experience low pressure.
The municipality said reservoir levels in Lovemore Heights, Sea View, Mount Pleasant, Emerald Hill, Driftsands and Airport supply zones have stabilised, with consumers expected to have normal water supply.
However, sporadic interruptions continue in Gelvandale and Struandale, where demand exceeds available production capacity. Gelvandale has experienced significant pressure on the system since Wednesday.
The Chatty reservoir has also shown improvement, with pumping to Reservoir Hills underway. Consumers in Reservoir Hills, Despatch and Khayamnandi should have water supply, according to the municipality.
Meanwhile, the Motherwell reservoir remains low, with residents likely to experience low pressure and intermittent outages, particularly in higher-lying areas.
Areas across the metro that may still experience low pressure or intermittent supply include parts of KwaNobuhle, Motherwell, Bluewater Bay, Wells Estate, Greenacres, Newton Park, Walmer, Gelvandale, Bloemendal, Lorraine, Fairview, Sherwood, Chatty and several surrounding suburbs.
To address the ongoing challenges, the municipality said it continues to deploy water tankers to priority areas, optimise treatment and pumping operations, monitor reservoir levels, secure water treatment chemical supplies and conduct public awareness campaigns encouraging responsible water use.
Soyaya urged residents and businesses to conserve water wherever possible.
Residents and businesses are urged to use water sparingly, avoid unnecessary consumption, and report leaks immediately. Every litre saved assists in preserving reservoir levels and maintaining supply across the Metro.
The municipality acknowledged the frustration experienced by residents and said all available resources were being mobilised to restore stability to the water supply network.
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