GQEBERHA – Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Roads and Transport Directorate has continued intensive mop-up and stormwater management operations in Motherwell following recent heavy rains that caused widespread flooding across parts of the metro.

Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe said teams have remained on the ground to reduce the impact of flooding and restore normal conditions for residents.

“These proactive measures form part of our broader commitment to responsive service delivery, protecting infrastructure and safeguarding the wellbeing of our communities,” Lobishe said.

Stormwater drains in Motherwell have been cleared through ongoing high-pressure jetting and cleaning operations, with the municipality confirming improved water flow in affected areas.

While flood recovery efforts continue, the metro is also grappling with ongoing water supply disruptions across multiple communities due to critically low reservoir levels and high demand.

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Water system under strain

The municipality said water consumption continues to exceed production, placing pressure on the system and slowing recovery efforts.

Reduced production is also being impacted by high turbidity levels in raw water sources, where muddy water is exceeding treatment capacity at certain plants.

Several reservoirs remain at critically low levels, including Heatherbank and Motherwell at 1%, Chelsea and Lovemore at 8%, and Emerald Hill at 18%.

Large parts of the metro continue to experience water outages and low pressure, including Motherwell, iKamvelihle, Wells Estate, Walmer, Newton Park, Greenacres, Kabega Park, Summerstrand, Humewood, Zwide, Soweto-on-Sea, KwaNobuhle and surrounding areas.

Some suburbs are receiving intermittent supply, while higher-lying areas remain particularly affected by low pressure.

Meanwhile, the Nooitgedagt Water Treatment Plant continues operating at an increased output of 200 megalitres per day, while pumping at Schonnies is maintained at 66 megalitres per day.

The Loerie, Churchill and Elandskloof Water Treatment Works remain operational, and recovery efforts in the Motherwell zone are showing gradual improvement.

The municipality said technical teams remain on site as system stabilisation and reservoir recovery efforts continue across the metro.

Residents are urged to use water sparingly while recovery operations continue.

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