ELECTRICITY AWARENESS NOTICE
Summerstrand | South End | Walmer

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) urges residents in affected areas to assist in protecting the electricity network during the current load rotation period.

The South End Substation is currently operating with only one 10MVA transformer, which is placed under significant strain, especially during power restoration and peak usage times.

When electricity is restored after load rotation, many households switch on major appliances at the same time. This creates a surge in electricity demand, known as cold inrush current, which can overload the network and lead to power trips, localised outages, and possible damage to electrical infrastructure.

Residents are encouraged to help reduce pressure on the system by switching off major appliances before power is restored and waiting a few minutes before turning them back on. During peak periods, only essential appliances should be used.

High-power appliances such as geysers, electric stoves and ovens, kettles, heaters, air conditioners, and pool pumps should not be switched on immediately when electricity returns. Your cooperation will help stabilise the network and reduce the risk of further outages.

WATER SUPPLY UPDATE – NOOITGEDAGT WATER TREATMENT WORKS

19 March 2026

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is pleased to confirm that maintenance work at the Nooitgedagt Water Treatment Works has been successfully completed.

The pulsator clarifier system that was taken offline for cleaning has been restored and brought back into operation in the early hours of this morning. Water production is now steadily increasing, with the system continuing to stabilise as operations return to normal.

The maintenance was carried out efficiently and safely, with no major water outages experienced during this period. This reflects careful planning and effective system management.

Current Status:
* Water production is improving
* System performance is stabilising
* Any current water supply issues are localised

Residents experiencing water disruptions are advised that these may be linked to specific reservoirs, pipelines, or pressure zones rather than the overall bulk supply system.

Areas with Low Reservoir Levels:

Chelsea Reservoir Zone:
Baywest, Rowallan Park, Sherwood, Lorraine, Ben Kamma, Beverley Grove, Theescombe/Lake Farm/Colleen Glen, Hunters Retreat, Kabega Park, Morningside, Linton Grange, Framesby, Malabar, Sunridge Park, Westering, Cotswold, Barcelona, Gelvandale

Struandale Reservoir Zone:
New Brighton, KwaFord, Qaqawuli, Mathew Goniwe, Struanway

Gelvandale Zone:
Parts of Helenvale, Lower Gelvandale, Algoa Park, Zwide, Soweto-on-Sea, Veeplaas, KwaZakhele, Missionvale

Residents experiencing ongoing issues are encouraged to report them to the Municipal Call Centre for assistance.

We thank all residents for their patience and understanding as this critical maintenance work was completed to ensure a more reliable and sustainable water supply.

POWER OUTAGE – STRUANDALE / YSTERHOUT SUBSTATION

Wednesday, 18 March 2026

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality would like to inform residents that a power outage has occurred at the Struandale/Ysterhout Substation following the tripping of the 11kV circuit breaker.

 Affected Areas:
* Missionvale
* Vista University
* Surrounding areas

Restoration Update:
Technical teams are currently attending to the fault. Unfortunately, there is no estimated time for the restoration of power at this stage.

Further updates will be communicated as more information becomes available.

We apologise for the inconvenience and thank residents for their patience and cooperation.

POWER OUTAGE – ALOES SUBSTATION

Wednesday, 18 March 2026

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality would like to inform residents that a power outage has occurred at the Aloes Substation (AHK 1/1) following the tripping of the 11kV circuit breaker.

 Affected Areas:
* Amsterdamhoek
* Surrounding areas

Restoration Update:
Technical teams are currently attending to the fault. Unfortunately, there is no estimated time for the restoration of power at this stage.

Further updates will be communicated as more information becomes available.

We apologise for the inconvenience and thank residents for their patience and cooperation.

UPDATE: Power Supply Disruption in Summerstrand and Walmer
Friday, 13 March 2026 | 14:26

Member of the Mayoral Committee for Electricity and Energy, Cllr Ziyanda Mnqokoyi, is once again on site with contractors at the Chelsea–Arlington–Walmer–Summerstrand line to monitor progress on the restoration work and ensure that every effort is being made to restore electricity to the affected areas as soon as possible.

Contractors are currently carrying out the stringing of the conductors, which is a critical step in restoring the affected power line. During this process, a minor challenge was identified as sections of bush and trees along the route need to be cleared to allow work to continue safely and efficiently.

Excavators are therefore clearing vegetation along the route so that the team can proceed with the stringing process. More than 1 500 metres of conductor still need to be strung. Once this work has been completed, the final task will be the installation of the earth wire.

The Municipality previously indicated that restoration work would take approximately seven days. Based on the progress currently observed on site, electricity supply to the affected areas remains on track to be restored by Monday evening.

We apologise for the significant inconvenience this prolonged outage has caused residents, businesses and institutions in the affected areas. Teams will continue to monitor the work closely and regular updates will be provided.

We sincerely thank residents for their patience, understanding and cooperation while teams work around the clock to restore electricity as quickly and safely as possible.