Editor: Did you say; “Yet?”
In a landmark move to transform waste management and improve service delivery, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has invested R30 million in the procurement of new waste management equipment as part of the 2024/25 Capital Budget.
This investment includes the purchase of seven highly specialised refuse compactors and water tankers, aimed at restoring stability to waste collection services and supporting the city’s greening and beautification efforts.
Speaking at the official unveiling of the new equipment, Executive Mayor Cllr Babalwa Lobishe hailed the investment as a game-changer for the Metro.
“This is a legacy moment for our city. We are putting real action behind our promise to clean up Nelson Mandela Bay. This R30 million investment is not just about vehicles – it’s about delivering dignity and decent services to our people,” said Mayor Lobishe. “Our communities deserve better, and today we are showing that we are serious about restoring service delivery and reclaiming the beauty of our Metro.”
The Municipality last procured a refuse compactor in 2014 and has since been 90% to 100% dependent on external service providers for waste removal. This heavy reliance led to ongoing over expenditure, which the Municipality deemed unsustainable and unacceptable.
To address this, the Municipality developed a three-year plan, which was approved by the Public Health Standing Committee and Council, allowing the procurement process to begin.
Notably, this is the first time the Municipality independently handled the procurement process, and remarkably delivered all units within two months or less – a milestone achievement for the institution.
“This is a proud moment,” added Mayor Lobishe. “The fact that this equipment was procured internally, on time, and with a clear focus on quality and sustainability is a major step forward in building institutional capacity and accountability.”
Each of the seven new units comes with a comprehensive maintenance plan and is tailored with specialised features, making the procurement both economically viable and operationally sustainable. The Municipality will continue this initiative in the 2025/26 financial year, with another R30 million allocated for additional units.
With these new compactors, communities – especially those in informal and previously underserviced areas – can expect more consistent, reliable, and dignified refuse collection services.
The procurement of new water tankers is also a first in over a decade. These units will play a vital role in the city’s drought response and in maintaining the aesthetics of the Metro, by supporting the greening and beautification of main entrances and public spaces, including flower beds and centre islands.
“This is about building a city we can all be proud of,” concluded Mayor Lobishe. “We are not just cleaning our streets – we are cleaning up governance, restoring trust, and renewing hope across Nelson Mandela Bay.”
