GQEBERHA – Recent storms have left the Baakens Valley trail network severely damaged, with years of trail-building work washed away by flooding and erosion across one of Nelson Mandela Bay’s most valued outdoor spaces.

The extensive network, maintained by the local mountain biking organisation, FatTracks Mountain Bike Club, suffered widespread destruction following the severe weather that battered parts of the metro.

According to the organisation, more than 20 kilometres of trails were affected, with large sections washed away, eroded or left unsafe for public use.

Collapsed trail sections, damaged infrastructure and deep erosion have rendered several areas unrideable.

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Trail restoration efforts underway

Trail users have been urged to exercise extreme caution while repair work continues, as many sections remain hazardous.

The damage forms part of the broader impact caused by recent flooding across Nelson Mandela Bay, where municipal teams continue with recovery and relief operations in affected communities.

FatTracks chairman, Marius Olivier, said that despite the extent of the destruction, efforts to restore the valley began almost immediately after the storms.

“FatTracks is not responsible for the maintenance and repair of the trails, but we have a memorandum of understanding with the municipality whereby we undertake basic trail maintenance to keep the Baakens Valley safe and user-friendly for mountain biking, trail running, walking and hiking,” he said.

Olivier said the club considers itself custodians of the trails and has already started repair work following the recent storm damage.

“The bridges and river crossings that we built for hikers, cyclists and walkers were washed away,” he shared.

Representatives from FatTracks met with the municipality on Friday, 22 May, to discuss restoration efforts.

“We agreed to work together to assess the damage and prioritise areas that need urgent repairs,” he shared.

He said committee members, volunteers, engineers and sponsors have already stepped in to assist with expertise and materials.

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Among the immediate materials needed are soil to fill eroded areas and dongas, G5 compactible soil, gravel, crush, pallets, wooden planks, wooden poles, wire, mesh, long nails, rope, spades, wheelbarrows, stampers, petrol compactors and chainsaws.

FatTracks said offers of heavy machinery, particularly earthmoving equipment such as TLBs, would be invaluable in assisting with the large-scale restoration work.

Flood recovery efforts continue

In a flood response update issued on 21 May, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality said teams from Infrastructure and Engineering, Public Health and Disaster Management remain on the ground attending to mop-up operations and infrastructure assessments across the metro.

“Importantly, no lives were lost during this crisis, demonstrating the preparedness, coordination and swift response of the NMBM Disaster Management teams and all stakeholders involved,” the municipality said.

The municipality added that Public Health teams had undertaken extensive tree-clearing operations following the storms.

“All reported trees obstructing traffic have been cleared, while teams remain on site attending to remaining matters, particularly trees located on private properties,” the municipality said.

The metro further confirmed that recovery and rebuilding processes are already being planned.

“Following the classification of the disaster, the Municipality will reprioritise budgets across directorates and is consolidating damages in order to apply for grants aimed at the repair and reconstruction of flood-damaged infrastructure,” the municipality said.

As part of broader disaster relief efforts, assistance has also been distributed to flood-affected residents housed at shelters in Ward 33 through a partnership between the municipality and the Al-Imdaad Foundation.

“The Al-Imdaad Foundation donated essential relief items, which were distributed through the Municipality’s Disaster Management Sub-Directorate to assist families affected by the recent floods,” the municipality said.

“The donation reflects a spirit of care, compassion and solidarity with communities facing hardship during this difficult period.”

For more information to assist with the restoration of the Baakens Valley trails contact Marius Olivier at marius@fattracks.co.za

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