The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is appealing to Nelson Mandela Bay residents and businesses to use water sparingly as the Department of Water and Sanitation prepares for a critical final shutdown of the Sundays River Canal. The critical, necessary shutdown is scheduled from 9 to 13 May 2025, and will allow for the completion of essential rehabilitation work to secure the city’s sustainable water supply.
The Sundays River Canal, which provides approximately 60% of the Metro’s water consumption, originally collapsed on 17 May 2017, prompting the implementation of temporary earthworks and HDPE lining to maintain water flow. This temporary solution remained in place for over four years, posing a significant risk to the assurance of sustainable supply.
Permanent rehabilitation began in June 2024 through a collaboration between the Department of Water and Sanitation and the Sundays River Irrigation Board. Two previous shutdowns were conducted to initiate tie-in work, but additional repairs are now necessary to secure downstream slabs at the canal’s tie-in point.
Mayoral Committee Member for Infrastructure and Engineering, MMC Khanyisa Mafaya, emphasised the importance of reduced consumption during the shutdown period: “Although we envisage the work to be completed within the scheduled timeframes, high consumption might lead to water cuts in some areas. We urge our people to decrease their usage to help stabilise the system.”
As a precaution, the Municipality has reconciled all available water resources and will augment supply from alternative sources to reduce the risk of disruptions, added Mafaya.
Senior Director for Water Distribution, Joseph Tsatsire, added that while the city’s infrastructure is integrated to allow for flexible water distribution, consumption levels remain a critical factor:
“As a result of the shutdown, the Nooitgedagt scheme will only supply 70 million litres commonly known as megalitres per day, compared to the usual 250 megalitres. This will primarily support areas like Motherwell, Bluewater Bay, Despatch, and Kariega. To relieve pressure, Coega SEZ and Markman will receive water from Coega Kop WTW, and inner-city boreholes will also be used for augmentation.”
The planned construction is expected to last approximately 77 hours, from 9 to 13 May 2025. Should any disruptions occur, the Municipality will notify residents through ward councilors, and other official channels, including social media, community radio stations, and print and online media.
