The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality announced an R10 million beach upgrade project ahead of the summer season.
In a statement today, the municipality shared that work is “well underway to maintain and enhance” Nelson Mandela Bay beaches, ensuring they remain the summer destination of choice.
“The Beaches and Resorts Sub-directorate is working around the clock to complete a number of key infrastructure projects,” the statement read. “These projects focus on infrastructure rehabilitation and upgrading public amenities for the 2025/26 financial year.”
The nearly R10 million initiative encompasses several popular destinations, including Kings Beach, which is scheduled to receive R1 million worth of ablution facility improvements.
At Happy Valley, which serves Humewood Beach, R2 million has been allocated for refurbishment of coastal infrastructure and lifeguard facilities. Meanwhile, Pollock, Bluewater Bay and Hobie Beaches are receiving more than R3 million in sanitation infrastructure improvements.
Brighton Beach represents the largest single investment, with R5 million earmarked for comprehensive upgrades including structural assessments, ablution blocks, electrical infrastructure, and lighting improvements.
Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe emphasised the economic importance of coastal investment: “While other cities may rely on minerals as economic drivers, ours is our beautiful coastline. We must be intentional in investing in it to drive economic development through tourism.”
Beyond the immediate sewage crisis, the municipality is addressing other infrastructure challenges. A 132kV powerline upgrade is underway in the Walmer–Summerstrand areas to tackle persistent electricity outages affecting coastal operations.
Enhanced security measures are also being implemented through coordinated campaigns involving Metro Police, the South African Police Service, NMBM Security Services, and private security firms.
Sewage overflow crisis at Kings Beach
Meanwhile, a major sewage overflow earlier this week forced the temporary closure of Kings Beach, one of Nelson Mandela Bay’s premier coastal destinations.
Kings Beach has been closed since Thursday, 18 September, after sewage overflow from outlets below the railway line forced municipal officials to implement a precautionary health closure.
Ward 2 Councillor Sean Tappan described the ongoing problems at Kings Beach as a pattern of consistent failure, stating: “The sewage overflow has repeatedly flooded the parking area over the past year, and municipal explanations have been inconsistent.”
The crisis has had far-reaching consequences for community life, with multiple events either cancelled or severely affected. The Splash Festival, several Parkrun events, and a large community walk involving 250 people have all fallen victim to the recurring sewage problems.
Tappan’s own office has not been spared, suffering flood damage that required carpet replacement. “This is totally unacceptable,” he said.
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya confirmed today that Kings Beach remains temporarily closed to the public.
Last week he explained why the closure was necessary.
“During ongoing inspections, our teams have discovered another collapsed sewer line within the harbour area. Work is currently underway to unblock the sewer, and we are in the process of issuing an urgent order for its replacement. Our teams are working as quickly and safely as possible to resolve the issue and restore access to the beach,” he said.
