METRO ACCELERATES LEAK REPAIRS TO REDUCE WATER LOSSES DURING PROLONGED DROUGHT

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is intensifying its response to water leaks across the metro as part of its drought mitigation programme and broader efforts to reduce water losses under severe and prolonged drought conditions. As an immediate intervention, the Municipality is in the final stages of appointing additional plumbing contractors to supplement existing municipal repair teams, with a specific focus on high loss and high impact areas across all clusters.

As of this week, the Municipality is concluding the objections committee phase and is in the final stages of appointing additional plumbing contractors to supplement existing municipal teams, with a strong focus on high loss and high impact areas. Subject to final contracting processes, additional capacity will be deployed within the coming weeks. This additional capacity is intended to accelerate leak repairs, increase weekly completions, and stabilise the system while longer term infrastructure renewal continues.

In parallel, recruitment for vacant plumber and artisan posts is already under way, with posts advertised and processes progressing to strengthen internal capacity within the Water and Sanitation Directorate. Additional operational capacity will continue to be budgeted for annually, in line with service delivery demands and infrastructure renewal planning.

These interventions are already supporting ongoing repair work across the metro. Between 1 July 2025 and 16 February 2026, the Municipality received 25,427 water leak complaints, of which 18,657 have been resolved, representing a system wide clearance rate of approximately 73 percent. In the past week alone, 557 leaks were repaired, demonstrating sustained on the ground activity across all clusters. A total of 6,770 leaks remain outstanding, reflecting a live and continuously changing system rather than inactivity.

Executive Mayor, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe acknowledged the seriousness of water losses while reaffirming the Municipality's commitment to protecting residents under extremely difficult conditions.

"We are deeply concerned about every litre of water lost in a city facing severe and prolonged drought. The reality is that we are operating under immense pressure, with ageing infrastructure and very limited resources, but we want to assure residents that within these constraints, the Municipality is working relentlessly to stabilise the system, reduce losses, and protect water supply for communities," said Lobishe.

"We also welcome and fully support the national water crisis committee announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the recent State of the Nation Address. This is a critical intervention that recognises the scale of the challenge facing municipalities across the country. Nelson Mandela Bay commits to full cooperation, alignment, and accountability as part of this national effort to secure water for our people."

The Municipality emphasises that water leak numbers are not static. They fluctuate daily as new leaks are detected, repaired leaks are closed, and additional reports are logged through community reporting platforms and enhanced network monitoring. Prolonged drought conditions have required aggressive pressure management, valve operations, and zone reconfigurations to preserve dam levels. While necessary, these interventions place added strain on ageing infrastructure, particularly older asbestos cement and steel pipelines, causing latent weaknesses to surface as visible leaks.

Leak repairs are prioritised using a risk-based approach that focuses on major water losses, supply interruptions, and infrastructure at risk of failure. Urgent underground leaks affecting reservoirs, pressure zones, and overall system stability receive immediate attention. Repair teams remain active across the metro, with increased visibility expected as additional contractor capacity is deployed.

The Municipality reiterates that leak management remains a central pillar of its drought response. It forms part of a coordinated programme to reduce non- revenue water, protect limited water resources, and stabilise supply under severe drought conditions, while national coordination mechanisms announced by the President are being engaged to support municipalities facing similar pressures.