{"id":299604,"date":"2026-06-10T10:47:12","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T08:47:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/peexpress\/?p=299604"},"modified":"2026-06-10T10:48:35","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T08:48:35","slug":"nmbm-unable-to-give-repair-timeline-for-william-moffett-expressway","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/peexpress\/nmbm-unable-to-give-repair-timeline-for-william-moffett-expressway\/","title":{"rendered":"NMBM unable to give repair timeline for William Moffett Expressway"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

GQEBERHA <\/strong>– 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.”\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Severe
Severe weather in May caused the collapse of a section of William Moffett Expressway in Gqeberha, where permanent repairs are still awaiting approval processes. PHOTO: SHANTI JAFTA.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Multiple routes flooded across Nelson Mandela Bay <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“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.”\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“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.”\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.” \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.”\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Trail users urged to use caution after flooding damages Baakens Valley<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Severe
Severe weather in May caused the collapse of a section of William Moffett Expressway in Gqeberha, where permanent repairs are still awaiting approval processes. PHOTO: SHANTI JAFTA.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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:\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n