Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’ s Ward 4, which largely comprises Walmer and its surrounding informal settlements, will become a major construction site during this financial year following the allocation of more than R20 million for various infrastructure projects.
As approved in the Municipal Budget adopted last month, the projects include roadworks, the tarring of gravel roads, stormwater and sewer reticulation, water infrastructure upgrades, electrification of informal settlements, the provision of communal ablution facilities, and the installation of drinking water standpipes to improve access to water in informal areas.
The projects that have been budgeted for and will be implemented in Ward 4 form part of the priorities identified by residents during the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Budget Public Participation process.
The largest allocation, amounting to R6 million, has been set aside for a sewer reticulation project in Walmer Township.
Walmer Township is one of the areas that has experienced ongoing sanitation challenges, with sewer blockages and overflowing manholes being reported on a regular basis.
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe, said the Municipality was responding directly to the priorities raised by residents during the IDP Public and Budget public participation engagements.
“Walmer, particularly Walmer Township, has significant infrastructure backlogs that require urgent attention. These challenges were consistently raised by residents during our IDP and Budget Public Participation meetings. As a responsive government, we have committed ourselves to delivering the infrastructure our communities need. The roads and stormwater projects, together with improvements to water, sanitation and electricity infrastructure, will significantly improve living conditions, enhance access and help reduce the risk of flooding and other infrastructure-related challenges.”
Roads and stormwater infrastructure will also receive significant attention to address the long-standing challenge of flooding in the area.
An amount of R8.6 million has been allocated for roadworks, stormwater improvements and the tarring of gravel roads.
Electrification of informal settlements will also be prioritised, with R2 million allocated for the programme.
This investment will contribute towards reducing illegal electricity connections while improving access to safe and legal electricity services.
To further demonstrate the Municipality’ s commitment to improving sanitation in Walmer Township, provision has been made in the current budget to increase investment in sanitation infrastructure over the medium term, with the aim of accelerating the delivery of critical sewer projects.
“We understand that reliable sanitation infrastructure is fundamental to restoring the dignity of our communities. We cannot ignore the historical service delivery backlogs that many of our residents continue to experience. That is why we are prioritising these investments and ensuring that our budget reflects our commitment to delivering improved basic services,” added Executive Mayor Lobishe.
