Residents of Kariega, Despatch and KwaNobuhle are set to see significant investment in roads, water, sanitation and electricity infrastructure after the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) adopted what it describes as a pro-poor budget aimed squarely at communities facing the worst service delivery backlogs.

The three communities, which fall under the Zola Qini Cluster, have been allocated R151,226,010 under the municipality’s ward-based infrastructure allocation programme, one of the largest cluster allocations in the Metro and a clear signal, said officials, that the needs of these areas are being taken seriously.

NMBM spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya said in a statement that the allocation reflects a deliberate effort to channel resources where they are needed most.

“Every allocation in this budget has been guided by the principle that limited public resources must be directed towards communities with the greatest need and where investment will have the greatest impact on service delivery, economic inclusion and social development,” said Soyaya.

The Zola Qini Cluster, which includes Kariega, KwaNobuhle and Despatch, is among the priority areas identified through our public participation process.

Soyaya added, “This allocation is a direct response to what residents in those communities told us during IDP and budget engagements.”

The NMBM said the budget has been shaped by years of recurring flooding events that have put immense strain on already ageing infrastructure networks across the Metro, combined with longstanding backlogs in many townships and working-class areas.

Soyaya said residents in Kariega, KwaNobuhle and Despatch have borne the brunt of those challenges for too long.

“We cannot ignore the realities facing communities that continue to experience infrastructure backlogs and service delivery challenges. This budget responds directly to those realities,” he said.

The R151 million set aside for the Zola Qini Cluster will fund a range of critical projects, including:

• Pipeline replacement programmes to improve water reliability
• Upgrades to water and wastewater treatment facilities
• Electricity substation improvements and replacement of ageing cables
• Public lighting upgrades
• Road rehabilitation
• Stormwater infrastructure interventions, particularly important given the repeated flood damage experienced across the area in recent years

The statement added that the allocations did not emerge behind closed doors. The NMBM said the budget was shaped through an extensive Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Budget public participation process that included engagements with residents, ward committees, community stakeholders and Ward Councillors across the Metro.

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Soyaya stressed that what residents said during those engagements is directly reflected in where the money is going.

“This process ensured that the budget responds directly to the priorities identified by communities and reflects the realities experienced by residents on the ground. The people of Kariega, Despatch and KwaNobuhle made their voices heard, and this budget is the municipality’s answer to that.”

The Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor, Councillor Babalwa Lobishe, said the budget is about more than spending figures, it is about fairness and long-term sustainability.

“This budget reflects our commitment to ensuring that communities with the greatest infrastructure needs receive the investment required to improve their quality of life,” Lobishe said.

It is a pro-poor budget that places service delivery at the centre of municipal planning while ensuring that the Municipality remains financially sound and sustainable.

She acknowledged, however, that the real test lies in delivery.

“Our responsibility now is to ensure that these allocations translate into visible improvements in communities. Through strengthened oversight, improved project management and disciplined expenditure, we will work to ensure that infrastructure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to the benefit of residents.”

Soyaya said the municipality is aware that residents in Kariega, Despatch and KwaNobuhle have, in many instances, waited a long time for meaningful infrastructure improvements, and that managing expectations honestly is part of its commitment to the communities.

“The success of this budget will ultimately be measured by the quality and pace of implementation. We are committed to ensuring that every rand allocated to these communities delivers real, visible value, not just on paper, but in people’s daily lives.

“Residents wishing to track progress on infrastructure projects in their wards or engage with the municipality on service delivery matters are encouraged to contact their Ward Councillors or reach out to the NMBM through its official communication channels,” Soyaya concluded.

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