Cape town: Nelson Mandela Bay: Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe has been conducting site visits across flood-affected communities to ensure the smooth progress of relief interventions as heavy rains continue to disrupt large parts of the metro.
According to South African Government News Agency, by Thursday afternoon, more than 1,000 residents had been evacuated from flooded areas, with the majority coming from low-lying informal settlements. Mayor Lobishe reported that the preliminary assessment indicates damage to critical infrastructure, including roads and electricity networks. Residents have been forced to leave their homes, significantly disrupting their normal lives.
The municipality, in collaboration with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and churches, is providing displaced residents with essential support. Lobishe stated that by working with these stakeholders, affected residents are receiving basic necessities while being accommodated in community halls.
Accompanied by municipal technicians, Lobishe conducted an oversight visit to the Cuyler Bridge and the Swartkops River in Kariega to assess the structural condition of the bridges and monitor rising water levels. The aim is to ensure the safety and security of nearby communities. Officials evaluated potential risks that could necessitate further evacuations, particularly overnight, and discussed measures to mitigate further damage.
Lobishe noted that disaster management teams remain on high alert, operating around the clock to assist affected residents. She urged residents to cooperate with disaster management officials to limit injuries and avoid fatalities as the rain continues.
Amid the widespread flooding, the municipality confirmed a significant turnaround in water security, with all major dams supplying Nelson Mandela Bay now at full capacity. This includes the Impofu Dam, the metro's largest water source, which reached full capacity for the first time since 2016. Dam levels surged dramatically from 39% to 100% within just two days, following substantial rainfall in catchment areas, estimated at close to 100,000 megalitres.
The full dams include:
- Impofu Dam: 107,000 megalitres.
- Kouga Dam: 128,000 megalitres.
- Churchill Dam: 35,300 megalitres.
- Groendal Dam: 13,700 megalitres.
- Loerie Dam: 18,800 megalitres.
Lobishe described the development as a major relief for both residents and the business community of Nelson Mandela Bay. She highlighted the challenge for the city to work on infrastructure to preserve this water and stretch it as much as possible to survive the dry winter season. Improved water security not only enhances living conditions but also boosts economic growth and investment attraction.
According to the Senior Director for Water and Sanitation, Barry Martin, the drought, despite occasional slight improvements, has been the longest in Nelson Mandela Bay's history.
