GQEBERHA – The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) said it cannot yet provide a timeline for repairs to a section of William Moffett Expressway in Gqeberha, which was damaged in May, citing ongoing disaster assessment and funding processes following severe weather that struck parts of the metro.

The municipality said engineering assessments have been completed and interim safety measures implemented at the site, while reports have been submitted to the National Disaster Management Centre through the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent.

In the meantime, the NMBM spokesperson, Sithembiso Soyaya, said, “The area remains under close monitoring as further adverse weather conditions are forecast for the region.”

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He stated that the NMBM is aware of the damage to a section of the William Moffett Expressway and understands the concerns raised by residents and road users, particularly in light of the recent adverse weather conditions and forecast rainfall.

“Firstly, it is important to note that the damage in question occurred less than a month ago as a direct consequence of severe weather conditions that affected parts of the Metro. Following the incident, municipal engineering teams conducted assessments and implemented interim safety measures to safeguard road users while detailed investigations and repair planning continue,” he said.

“The Municipality, together with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), through the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA), has undertaken the necessary assessments and submitted the required reports to the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC). The Municipality is currently awaiting feedback regarding potential disaster recovery funding from national and provincial government, where applicable and appropriate.”

Soyaya added that in terms of timelines, “It would be premature and irresponsible for the Municipality to provide an exact commencement or completion date for permanent repairs at this stage.

“Infrastructure repairs resulting from disaster-related incidents must follow prescribed legislative and regulatory processes, including detailed technical assessments, cost quantification, engineering design requirements, and, where applicable, engagement with provincial and national disaster management structures regarding potential disaster recovery funding.”

Soyaya also noted that stakeholders, residents, interested parties and road users are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the legislative and regulatory framework governing disaster funding and recovery.

He cited the terms of Section 56(2) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002): “The National Disaster Management Centre must immediately after a national disaster has been declared, initiate efforts to assess the magnitude and severity or potential magnitude and severity of the disaster.”

Furthermore, Section 57(1) provides: “The organs of state involved in the assessment of the disaster must submit reports to the National Disaster Management Centre regarding the magnitude and severity or potential magnitude and severity of the disaster.”

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Soyaya stated that the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) has articulated a structured process for disaster recovery funding, which he claimed generally includes the following steps:

• An incident occurs, and the affected municipality conducts an initial assessment of damages and impacts.
• Municipal technical teams verify and quantify damages to infrastructure and municipal services.
• Detailed assessment reports and supporting evidence are compiled.
• The municipality submits information to the relevant Provincial Disaster Management Centre for verification and coordination.
• Joint assessments may be undertaken by municipal, provincial and national officials where required.
• The extent of damages and funding requirements is evaluated against applicable disaster management legislation, frameworks and funding criteria.
• Where appropriate, a disaster may be classified and, if necessary, declared in accordance with the Disaster Management Act.
• Funding requests are processed through the prescribed provincial and national government channels.
• Allocations are considered in accordance with applicable legislation, Treasury processes and available funding mechanisms.
• Once approvals and funding arrangements are finalised, implementation of recovery and rehabilitation projects may proceed in accordance with procurement, engineering and regulatory requirements.

“These processes are designed to ensure accountability, compliance, transparency and prudent expenditure of public funds. As such, disaster-related infrastructure recovery projects cannot simply be implemented immediately without following the required statutory processes,” Soyaya stated.

“The Municipality has prioritised the affected area and continues to monitor the site closely. Temporary safety interventions, traffic management measures, regular inspections, and ongoing engineering assessments are being undertaken to minimise risks and prevent further deterioration as far as reasonably possible.”

In anticipation of further rainfall, Soyaya added that municipal teams remain on high alert across the Metro.

“High-risk infrastructure locations are being monitored continuously; drainage systems are receiving attention where necessary, and response teams are prepared to implement additional mitigation measures should weather conditions warrant further intervention.

“The Municipality remains committed to restoring affected infrastructure as quickly as possible while ensuring that all repairs are undertaken in accordance with engineering standards, legislative requirements, and available funding mechanisms.

“Public safety remains the foremost priority throughout this process,” Soyaya concluded.

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