Wastewater treatment facilities in Nelson Mandela Bay continue to face serious challenges, exposing the complete dysfunctionality of the current ANC-led administration. Years of neglect and failure to maintain, upgrade, and protect critical sewerage infrastructure have led to persistent pollution of our waterways and coastline.
Today, I was joined by DA NMB Caucus Leader Rano Kayser, DA Spokesperson for Public Health Mthokozisi Nkosi, and Ward 1 Councillor Dries van der Westhuizen for an oversight inspection at Brighton Beach in Gqeberha. This beach, closed by the municipality in December 2024 following untreated sewage discharges from Fishwater Flats Wastewater Treatment Works, remains at risk.
While the municipality claims that pollution levels are now acceptable and plans to reopen the beach at the end of June, our inspection today indicates that this is highly unlikely.
I have now written to the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, urging her department to intervene directly in Nelson Mandela Bay and assist in bringing all wastewater treatment works up to the required standards.
Given the municipality’s track record of failing to provide transparent and reliable water quality data, we have called on the Minister’s department to conduct its independent water quality testing at Brighton Beach.
To ensure public safety, the DA will also undertake independent water sampling, with results to be made available to the public.
The problems are not limited to Fishwater Flats. Sewage spills, failing stormwater drains, and dysfunctional wastewater facilities are widespread across the city. The municipality bears primary responsibility for this persistent pollution, and the people of Nelson Mandela Bay have a right to expect transparent reporting and urgent action.
Should the Department of Water and Sanitation confirm ongoing non-compliance or any further risk to public health, we will escalate this matter to the Eastern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, requesting urgent provincial intervention to restore safe, functional wastewater services.
We will not allow the municipality to jeopardise the health and safety of Nelson Mandela Bay’s residents. The DA remains committed to transparent oversight and real solutions to get our city working again.