PREMIER MABUYANE BRINGS GOOD NEWS FOR NELSON MANDELA BAY AS

Metro Battles

“The good news I am bringing the people of Nelson Mandela Metro is that Department of Water Affairs will commence with the construction of the Coerney balancing dam in September to ensure more water storage capacity.” The pronouncement was made by Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane during the State of the Province Address. He acknowledged the drought crisis in Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, describing it as an inconvenience to the residents and businesses in that area.

To mitigate the challenge, he said, government has mobilised the community to use water sparingly to avoid day zero, managing demand by installing pressure reduction devices in areas where high water use is detected, as well as sourcing additional water from boreholes, ground water development and exploring desalination. Government is also working with the private sector to repair water leaks. He commended the Nelson Mandela Metro Business Chamber for the leading role they are playing on this programme. Meanwhile, water tankers continue to provide water to communities.

He said that provision of water supply for domestic and commercial use is critical for economic development.

Premier Mabuyane echoed Stats SA general household survey of 2021 which indicates the province’s progress towards achieving universal access to water, placing the province at 71%.

According to the Premier, this year the province is set to complete bulk water projects in Matatiele; Mount Ayliff; Makana; Graaf Reinet; Janseville; Kllipplaat; Misgund; Paterson; and Addo.