Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has launched structured, metro-wide technical assessments of its electricity infrastructure amid growing concern over ageing assets following recent power disruptions.
In a statement issued, the Municipality acknowledged public concern and said oversight visits form part of a healthy democratic process.
“Oversight strengthens accountability and transparency, and the Municipality respects the important role it plays in public governance,” the statement read.
The City said infrastructure planning, however, must be guided by verified engineering evidence and qualified technical expertise.
“The Municipality will rely on qualified technical expertise to determine the true condition of assets and will report on the state of infrastructure once formal assessments are completed,” the statement read.
“This approach ensures that decisions are grounded in facts and professional standards rather than speculation.”
According to the Municipality, the inspections are aimed at identifying risk levels, prioritising interventions and building a comprehensive understanding of infrastructure conditions across the metro. The programme forms part of a shift from reactive repairs towards planned renewal.
Once verified, the City plans to implement a structured refurbishment programme incorporating short-, medium- and long-term planning, risk-based project sequencing and budget alignment to support phased upgrades. Any elevated risk identified during inspections will trigger immediate intervention.
According to Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe oversight and technical processes must work together to ensure responsible planning.
“Our responsibility is to build a credible, evidence-based roadmap that protects residents, strengthens the electricity network and ensures that every investment is properly prioritised,” she said.
Meanwhile, Democratic Alliance (DA) mayoral candidate Retief Odendaal raised concerns in a social media statement following an oversight inspection at a pylon near Bushy Park in Gqeberha.
“Nelson Mandela Bay is on the precipice of another electricity crisis, with more pylons across the metro at risk of imminent collapse,” Odendaal said.
“We found the tower’s lattice masts to be heavily corroded, extensively rusted and in places no longer structurally connected.”
The statement follows the recent collapse of two pylons on the Chelsea/Arlington and Greenbushes/Bloemendal power lines, which caused extended electricity outages.
“This condition clearly indicated an impending risk of collapse.”
Odendaal said the DA caucus would submit a motion to Council calling for budget amendments to complete the electricity monopole project, the appointment of an Executive Director for Electricity and Energy, the possible secondment of an Eskom specialist and the urgent commissioning of an Electrical Services Master Plan.
The Municipality said findings from the current assessments and a structured refurbishment roadmap would be communicated once technical work is finalised.
