The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) has officially launched its “Fill Up the Bay” pothole repair campaign, backed by a R61 million road maintenance budget aimed at restoring the metro’s deteriorating road network.
Executive Mayor Councillor Babalwa Lobishe launched the campaign in Perseverance on Monday 3 August, where repair teams were already on the ground in Ward 30, covering Veeplaas, KwaDwesi and the Perseverance Industrial Area.
According to a NMBM statement, of the R61 million allocation, R30 million has been earmarked specifically for accelerated pothole repairs across the metro. The balance will fund broader road maintenance interventions, including stormwater infrastructure maintenance, drainage improvements and the rehabilitation of flood-damaged roads.
Speaking at the launch, Lobishe acknowledged the daily toll that potholes take on residents and said the municipality was acting decisively.
“Every day, thousands of our residents travel on these roads to get to work, school, healthcare facilities and places of business. We understand the frustration that potholes cause and that is why we are acting decisively to accelerate repairs across Nelson Mandela Bay,” she said.
“At the same time, we are looking beyond potholes. By investing in stormwater infrastructure and other preventative road maintenance interventions, we are addressing some of the underlying causes of road deterioration and protecting the long-term integrity of our road network.”
The mayor appealed to residents for patience as the programme is rolled out in phases, assuring communities that all 60 wards will receive attention. “The programme is being rolled out in phases to ensure all wards receive the necessary attention,” Lobishe said.
A total of 12 contractors have allegedly been appointed and are already deployed across the metro, operating from five depots alongside municipal road maintenance teams. Each contractor is required to recruit three local workers from every ward in which work is undertaken, creating employment opportunities and facilitating skills transfer within communities. Municipal engineers and technical officials will oversee all projects to ensure quality workmanship and compliance with engineering standards.
The NMBM claims that work has already commenced in 10 of the municipality’s 60 wards, with crews systematically repairing damaged roads. The programme prioritises areas most severely affected by potholes, deteriorating road conditions and flood-related damage.
During the launch, Lobishe visited Mhalokotshane Street in KwaDwesi, where municipal teams were carrying out pothole repairs. She engaged with workers on the ground and received progress updates on the work being undertaken.
The accelerated programme builds on the municipality’s broader infrastructure recovery efforts. During the previous financial year, more than R50 million was invested in reconstructing two flood-damaged bridges, restoring critical transport links across the metro.
This financial year, the municipality will continue investing in roads and stormwater infrastructure, including the reconstruction of the collapsed William Moffett Expressway bridge, the clearing and maintenance of stormwater drainage systems, the refurbishment of damaged stormwater infrastructure and road marking projects in KwaDwesi, Despatch and KwaMagxaki.
The municipality has called on residents to assist by reporting potholes through its official reporting channels, helping officials prioritise repairs and respond more efficiently to road defects.
“This programme is about delivering safer roads, restoring public confidence, supporting economic growth and ensuring that our communities experience visible improvements in the quality of municipal services,” Lobishe said.
As work gathers pace, residents will increasingly see municipal teams and contractors repairing potholes, maintaining roads and strengthening infrastructure across the metro. The campaign forms part of ongoing efforts to restore road infrastructure, improve service delivery and ensure safer travel for motorists and pedestrians throughout Nelson Mandela Bay.
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