Kariega’s water woes might soon be over as Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Executive Mayor, Councillor Babalwa Lobishe, along with key municipal officials, recently conducted a site visit in Rosedale.
Accompanied by Member of the Mayoral Committee, Councillor Thembinkosi Mafana, and Ward 50 Councillor Nomxolisi Phezisa, the Mayor identified significant issues, including a problematic stormwater drain and houses with persistent leakages.
The visit also aimed to shed light on the City’s repair project for both the Matanzima and Niven’s bridges, which were damaged and declared unusable after the flash floods that hit Kariega.
Response to collapsed bridge
At the community engagement, Mayor Lobishe announced that the repairs of Niven’s Bridge would take approximately six months to complete and would cost the Municipality R3.9 million.
According to Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality spokesperson, Sithembiso Soyaya, “All repairs to infrastructure damaged by the floods are implemented budget permitting and after an open, vigorous, and transparent procurement process is conducted and finalised.”
He added that contractors have been appointed to work on Niven’s Bridge and that site mobilisation had commenced last week.
Barring any obstacles such as adverse weather or other external factors, Soyaya stated that the repair work on Niven’s Bridge is expected to take approximately four weeks to complete from the date of publication.
The municipality has declared Niven’s Bridge unsafe for use until the repairs have been completed, with barricades put in place on both sides of the bridge to prevent public access.
“The Municipality recognises the inconvenience caused by the collapsed bridge and is doing everything within its means to remedy the situation and challenge to all stakeholders affected by the bridge closure,” said Soyaya.
In a media statement issued by the NMBM, the construction and rehabilitation of essential infrastructure, including Niven’s Bridge, is among the municipality’s service delivery priority projects for Executive Mayor Lobishe’s first 100-Day Programme.
Response to water leaks and pro b- lematic drains
Noting the severity of the situation, the Mayor promised to return with a full complement of municipal teams from the Infrastructure and Engineering, Electricity and Energy, and Human Settlements directorates.
Municipal spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya said this immediate response aims to resolve stormwater drainage problems and address persistent water leaks, ensuring a safer and healthier environment for all Kariega residents.
The site visit forms part of the Mayor’s ambitious 100-Day Programme, which outlines a robust plan for accelerated and efficient service delivery, particularly focusing on critical infrastructure needs.
One of the major pillars of this programme includes the improvement of water infrastructure and sanitation.
High-impact projects aim to reduce water losses by 20% and tackle non-revenue water issues.
The Mayor has committed to expediting repairs of water leaks, addressing sanitation blockages, and rehabilitating the Fish Water Flats Wastewater Plant.
At the core of Mayor Lobishe’s administration is a commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and responsiveness, particularly focusing on the needs of vulnerable communities.
The Mayor’s 100-Day Plan is articulated under the theme “All Hands on Deck: Deepening the Foundations for Responsive, Courteous, and Sustainable Service Delivery” and aspires to rejuvenate municipal efficiency.
“Key priority projects within this plan also include the construction and rehabilitation of essential infrastructure like Niven’s Bridge and De Mist Canal, enhancing fleet management for service delivery, and launching Anti-Vandalism Strategies to protect critical infrastructure,” Soyaya explained.
Apart from addressing stormwater and leakage issues, the Mayor’s broader vision encompasses economic development initiatives such as the Njoli “Pop-Up” Initiative aimed at revitalising township economies and launching substantial private-sector investments to drive growth.
The Mayor’s Investment Advisory Council will be re-established, and existing policies updated to attract high-impact investments.
“Residents can expect visible improvements and a proactive administration committed to significant and sustainable service delivery improvements,” Soyaya concluded.
