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The devastation from the recent flood in Nelson Mandela Bay, caused by heavy rains on 21 and 22 October, was exacerbated by the municipality's lack of progress in restoring damaged infrastructure following the massive flooding on 1 June.

The municipality’s failure to repair broken stormwater canals, pipes, and drainage systems severely affected residents in the impacted communities, resulting in flooding of homes that would typically not have been affected had these systems been reinstated in a timely manner. Additionally, road infrastructure and water and sanitation systems compromised by the June floods are still yet to be restored.

Once again, Kariega was the hardest hit. Today, alongside DA Eastern Cape Provincial Chairperson Yusuf Cassim MPL, Winterhoek Constituency Leader Horatio Hendricks MPL, DA NMB Caucus Leader Councillor Rano Kayser, and Ward 48 Councillor Franay van de Linde, I conducted an oversight inspection of a canal in Kabah. What we found was alarming: cement blocks intended to secure the canal were in disarray, and the waterway was clogged with debris.

[see pictures here, here, here and here]

Following the June flood, both President Cyril Ramaphosa and EC Premier Oscar Mabuyane visited Nelson Mandela Bay, making grand promises of assistance that never materialised.

On 24 July I wrote to President Ramaphosa, requesting his intervention. My request went unanswered. Consequently, I have written to the President’s office again, imploring him to take decisive action and engage with the relevant role players so that leadership, assistance and support for the metro can be provided.

I have also written to the Deputy Director-General of the National Disaster Management Centre, Dr Bongani Elias Sithole, requesting that he send a delegation to NMB to assist the metro in understanding Disaster Management Legislation.

Furthermore, I wrote to the Chairperson of the COGTA Portfolio Committee in the EC Legislature, Nomasikizi Konza, requesting that a delegation from the metro appears before the committee to explain the municipality’s failures in managing the aftermath of the first flood.

During tomorrow's council meeting Cllr Kayser will fight for council to shift funds to provide immediate relief and infrastructure upgrades for the people of Kariega.

The DA believes that establishing sub-councils in Kariega and Despatch can also enhance accountability and flood mitigation and Cllr Kayser will also drive this issue in council.

Sub-councils will allow for flood mitigation strategies specific to an area. Funds can be distributed more effectively to the areas most at risk of flooding, ensuring timely infrastructure improvements and proper maintenance.

Together, we can get Nelson Mandela Bay working again and protect our residents from future avoidable suffering.

Issued by Retief Odendaal MPL - DA EC Shadow MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs